Let security forces work in Lalgarh without distraction: Chidambaram appeals
June 21st, 2009 - 5:16 pm ICT by IANS
New Delhi, June 21 (IANS) With combing operations against Maoists in Lalgarh reaching a critical stage, Home Minister P. Chidambaram Sunday appealed to political leaders and NGOs not to venture to the conflict zone in West Bengal.
After reclaiming the Lalgarh block headquarters, security forces have started combing the surrounding villages to flush out Maoists from the troubled zone in West Midnapore district,
“The situation in Lalgarh is sensitive and continues to be tense. Besides, the Communist Party of India-Maoist has called for a bandh tomorrow (Monday),” Chidambaram said in a statement.
“Security forces must carry on their work without distraction. Hence, I appeal to all citizens, especially political leaders, NGOs and others not to go to the conflict area.”
His appeal comes a day after a section of West Bengal intellectuals went to Lalgarh and alleged that women and children there were being harassed. Theatre personality Saonli Mitra, who visited the area, told journalists: “We have visited some interior villages and spoken to the people. People are living in danger. They are very afraid that police may beat them up.”
Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee has also instructed two union ministers of state Mukul Roy and Sisir Adhikari to proceed to Midnapore town and stay put there for the next few days, party sources said.
Security reinforcements comprising several companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Border Security Force (BSF), as also state armed police have been part of the Lalgarh operations.
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- Chidambaram asks politicians not to visit "sensitive and tense" Lalgarh - Jun 21, 2009
- Trinamool team visits trouble-torn Lalgarh - Jul 28, 2009
- Mamata terms CPI-M 'cowards' - Oct 07, 2010
- Trinamool claims two workers hurt by CPI-M men - Oct 13, 2010
- Security forces gun down a Maoist in West Midnapore encounter - Jan 04, 2011
- West Bengal asks media, ministers to stay away from Lalgarh - Jun 21, 2009
- Bengal told to ensure security for Trinamool team to Lalgarh - Jul 27, 2009
- CPI-Maoist calls shutdown to protest Kishenji killing - Nov 27, 2011
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- One man gunned down by suspected pro-Maoists in Bengal - Jan 18, 2011
- Tribal women protestors in Lalgarh teargassed (Lead) - Jul 29, 2009
Tags: armed police, border security force, bsf, communist party of india, conflict zone, congress chief, critical stage, crpf, home minister, living in danger, mamata banerjee, maoist, maoists, midnapore district, ministers of state, mukul, reserve police, sisir, union ministers, west bengal