Cell phones to fight India rebels

The government in the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand has given free mobile phones to more than 200 village leaders to help fight Maoist rebels. The BBC reports.

Police say the aim is to receive swift tip-offs about rebel movements.

... Some 220 village headmen have already received mobile phones; more are due to get them in weeks to come, police officials say.

Villagers have been provided with important police numbers to call up in the event of an emergency or if they notice Maoist movements.

Officials say the government will pay the bills for the phones, but that they will have to guard against misuse. .

emily | 5:20 PM | Mobile phone projects - Third World |
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