STF chief Rajeev Kumar admitted that the Maoists were exchanging operational techniques and even had joint training programme with Preepak cadres in Jharkhand.
Earlier in 2009, Maoists politburo member Kishanji himself admitted that they had links with another Manipur based outfit, People's Liberation Army (PLA). PLA had even issued a joint state ment with the Maoists.
Following the arrest of leaders on Saturday, STF officials have reasons to believe that the red brigade had imported the communication gadgets from the international operators with the help of northeastern outfits. "We are not sure whether they are getting arms through the same channel," said a senior STF officer.
STF officers said they have been raiding several hideouts in Howrah, Hooghly and North 24-Parganas and have recovered some more communication gadgets and timer devices.