Lalgarh still not under control, night patrolling intensified
Kolkata: The West Bengal government on Wednesday
said night patrolling at Lalgarh in West Midnapore district
was being intensified as the joint forces operating against
the Maoists were yet to gain full control of the area.
"As of now, it is difficult to get full control of the
area. Night patrolling is being intensified," Home Secretary
Ardhendu Sen told reporters after reviewing the situation in
Lalgarh at a high-level meeting.
According to Sen, 35 people have been killed by
Maoists since the joint forces began their operations on June
19. There are confirmed reports of death of two Maoists and
unconfirmed reports of death of five.
Pointing out that the Maoists were striking in the
areas where the joint forces were not present, he said the
strategy was being changed constantly to surprise the tribals.
Noting that 45 hardcore Maoists have been arrested
while another 80 were still at large, he said, "the situation
can be controlled only after we are able to nab them or drive
them out of the state."
In reply to a question, he said Maoist leader Koteswar
Rao alias Kishanji was in Lalgarh but was frequently on the
move.