Midnapore Naxal attack: Chidambaram's press statement

New Delhi:

    The attack by the CPI (Maoist) on a camp of the Eastern Frontier Rifles of West Bengal is another outrageous attempt by the banned organisation to overawe the established authority in the State.  I condemn the attack. There has been a massive loss of lives. Besides, more than 40 weapons are reported to have been looted. The leader of the CPI (Maoist) has claimed responsibility for the attack and has threatened to repeat such attacks in the future.

    I spoke to the Chief Minister, West Bengal this morning and conveyed my deep sense of shock.  I also conveyed my profound sympathies on the loss of lives.  While there are indications of failure in some aspects, only a thorough review will reveal how the police camp with adequate strength was overrun, when there was day light, by the CPI (Maoist).  

    Every attack of this kind exposes the true nature and character of the CPI (Maoist).  Their goal is to seize power. Their weapon is violence. No organisation or group in a democratic republic has the right to take to violence to overpower the established legal authority. Unfortunately, this simple truth has escaped a number of well-meaning organisations that find "legitimacy" in the armed liberation struggle carried on by the CPI (Maoist).  

During the 3-day bandh called by the CPI (Maoist) between February 7 and February 9, 2010, their main targets of attack were railway property. There were a total of 11 incidents in Bihar (3), Jharkhand (6) and Orissa (2). Tracks were blown up; railway stations were attacked; bombs were placed on railway property; and railway officials were assaulted.

I know that the overwhelming majority in this country will condemn the mindless violence unleashed by the CPI (Maoist) and will support the careful, controlled and calibrated efforts being taken by the Central and State Governments to put an end to the violence.  However, I would like to hear the voices of condemnation of those who have, erroneously, extended intellectual and material support to the CPI (Maoist).  It is only if the whole country rejects the preposterous theses of the CPI (Maoist) and condemns the so-called "armed liberation struggle" that we can put an end to the menace of naxalism and bring development and progress to the people in the conflict zones.  

I conclude by offering my sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and injured among the men of the Eastern Frontier Rifles.