Lalgarh:
In West Bengal's Lalgarh, it's the sixth day since the security operations against Maoists began and now there's a humanitarian crisis in the making.
Thousands of villagers are forced to go without two square meals and essential supplies. There is no public transport coming into the area except the movement of security forces. The Bengal government has allotted 6 kilos of rice per family, which is clearly inadequate.
It was a near riot-like situation at the first government relief initiative ever since normal life came to a halt with operations against Maoists began in West Bengal's Midnapore district.
At the BDO office under the Lalgarh police station, hundreds of families surviving on subsistence level, fought among each other to be first in queue to receive the relief materials.
"We cannot survive on rice alone, we need other essentials like dals, oils, and salts. Shops and banks are closed, where do we get the money?" asked a villager.
Braving the relentless heat, old men, women and children waited for hours to receive 6 kg of rice per family.
Latecomers had to contend with only half the amount leaving many questions unanswered of how the continuing security operations in the area will handle this emerging humanitarian need.
"We survive on the jungle. Where else will we get the money? We go to the forest, collect firewood and sell it in the market. This attack has been on since the past 15 days so who will go to the market. We all fear for our lives," said another villager.