Lalgarh: There were reports of a landmine blast and firing from Pingoni near Goaltore on Friday, as security forces began fresh operations to flush out Maoists from the trouble-torn region of Lalgarh in West Midnapore district of West Bengal.
Nearly 600 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel arrived in the district on Thursday as reinforcements for the existing security personnel. The security forces may stop midway and set up a camp before moving toward Lalgarh.
The Goaltore to Lalgarh area is believed to be Maoist-dominated. Security forces apprehend encounters with Maoists and landmines along the way.
In an earlier attempt, the state police force had to retreat due to landmine blasts, gunfire and arrows being shot at them.
Developments in Lalgarh are clearly dominating the state government's agenda. The top brass of the state administration arrived there by helicopter on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary Ashok Mohan Chakraborty admitted that the state had failed to do much for this troubled area in the last six months and that the government was now trying to set things right. But there was no question of talks with the Maoists until they laid down their arms, he added.