Security forces continue with offensive against Maoists in Lalgarh

Kolkata, June 27 (ANI): Security forces on Saturday resumed their offensive against Maoists in West Bengal's Lalgarh District, moving from Kadashol village into neighboring forests to flush out the rebels hiding there.

Reports suggested that the Maoists might have fled to Ramgarh, which is located around 12 kilometers from Kadashol.

Earlier, West Bengal's Chief Secretary Asok Mohan Chakraborty told reporters that police and central forces had reached Kadashol on Friday and there was an exchange of fire while some landmines exploded and some were defused.

"Till law and order is fully restored, people's confidence in the administration returns and terrorism totally curbed, the combined forces will carry on their operation at Lalgarh and adjoining areas," Chakraborty had said, adding the Centre was assisting the state government in restoring peace.

Chakraborty declined to state if the security forces would advance further or how long the operations would last.

"This is not a fight to capture land but an operation to restore law and order. Till this is achieved, along with restoration of the people's confidence in the administration and curbing of terrorism, the combined force will continue its job," he said.

DIG CID (Special Operations Group), S N Gupta told reporters Friday that the operations have entered a critical phase with resistance anticipated from Maoists and tribals under People's Committee against Police Atrocities (PCPA).

"The operations are likely to be serious today (Saturday)," he said. (ANI)