Maoists put up human shield to blockade Lalgarh

Lalgarh (West Bengal) (ANI): The Maoist have blocked access to Lalgarh in West Bengal putting up a three tier human shield, including women and children to prevent entry of central paramilitary forces, who are planning free the area from them.

According to police sources, the Maoists have formed a three-tier human shield with women and children in the vanguard, men behind them and armed naxals at the rearguard.

The well-armed Maoists are patrolling the Lalgarh-Belpahri road under the direct supervision of their leader Bikash.

The tribals are continuing the demolition and torching of empty police camps and houses and offices of CPM cadres.

The number of CPM activists killed so far in the clashes has gone up to eight with killing of three more activists at Bankasole in West Midnapore district, and four activists were reported missing.

West Bengal Chief Secretary Ashok Mohan Chakraborty said the state has sought 500 more central paramilitary personnel from the Centre. Hundred men have already been deployed in Lalgarh and 200-300 more personnel are expected to be deployed shortly.

The deployment of the central forces is adding strength to the local police as Lalgarh was out of bound for them after the attempt on the lives of Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, and two Union Ministers Ramvilas Paswan and Jitin Prasad at Salbini by the Maoists last November. (ANI)