Lalgarh: Forces preparing for 'final assault'

The march into Goaltore by the security forces approximately 18 kilometres away from Lalgarh will establish the sway of the troops over this stretch so far in Maoist control.

An earlier attempt by state security forces on this route carried out simultaneously with the successful march to Lalgarh through Pirakata had failed.

A landmine blast injuring several policemen and heavy gunfire forced the police to retreat.
Now CRPF companies are expected to join the state forces on Thursday for what is being called a final assault.

Developments in Lalgarh are clearly dominating the state government's priority. The top brass of the state administration arrived at Lalgarh by helicopter. The Chief Secretary freely admitting that the state had failed to deliver in this troubled area for the last six months. This was now being set right.

But there was no question of talks with the Maoists until they surrendered their arms.

Says West Bengal Chief Secretary Ashok Mohan Chakraborty: "We admit that last five to six months we have not been able to deliver for the villagers. Now our prime objective is to get the administration functioning. But there is no question of talks until they surrender their arms."

In Kolkata, meanwhile, the spokesman of the CPI (Maoist) Gour Narayan Chakraborty, who was arrested on Tuesday night under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, was produced in court and remanded to police custody till 6th July.