Lalgarh: Political blame game begins

The battle to reclaim Lalgarh is on barely 10 kilometres from the troubled zone. Security forces are treading cautiously. The state government doesn't want a repeat of Nandigram.

Sources say government orders are to avoid firing as far as possible as Maoists are using women and children at shields.

The security forces are adopting a three-pronged strategy from Pirakata, Salboni and Goaltore.

Anti-landmine vehicles are used. A helicopter flew over the area dropping leaflets over villages. In the leaflets the government has asked villagers not to collaborate with Maoists, or allow themselves to be used as human shields.

But politics over Lalgarh has already begun.

The Centre is asking why the Left government hasn't banned the Maoist group, also denying reports of any political support to the rebels.

Union Home Minister P Chidambaram says: "No idea why West Bengal government has not banned the CPI Maoists. Congress and the Trinamool are not supporting. It is unjustified and unwarranted to accuse them."

But the state government is blaming Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of fomenting trouble. The allegations that the Trinamool has already denied.

As political accusations continue, more BSF and CRPF companies have been sent as reinforcement in the face of a growing realisation that the battle for Lalgarh may prove to be much more difficult than anticipated.