Midnapore:
A leader of the Trinamool Congress was shot dead by the Maoists in Midnapore. The killers left a poster at the spot, warning Chief Minister Mamata Bannerjee and the West Bengal government against their attempt to recruit from the 17 Maoist-affected blocks of the state.
Mamata Banerjee's bid to create employment in the Maoist-hit areas has run into controversy. She had promised 10,000 jobs with the police in July. Her government has advertised for applications from youth in Maoist-hit areas for 3855 jobs in the National Volunteers Force.
An enraged Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called it an act of cowardice and said politics of murder will not be allowed to prevail.
"Prima facie, it appears the Maoists are behind the killing of Lal Mohan Mahato, a Trinamool leader. He had registered protests against atrocities by Maoists. It seems he has been killed to instill fear among the villagers," district Additional Superintendent of Police Alok Rajoria said.
The West Bengal Chief Minister, apart from enhancing the rehabilitation package for Maoists, has constituted a team of interlocutors for facilitating peace talks with the extremists.
Currently on tour to Sikkim, Ms Banerjee said those opposed to peace, development and employment are indulging in such violence.
"Those who murdered are just cowards. I believe politics of murder will not have the last word," she said.
Trinamool Congress leader and union minister Mukul Roy will lead a protest march in the area September 24, Banerjee said.
She also announced a Rs 5 lakh compensation for Mahato's next of kin and government job for a family member.