Second phase of joint anti-Maoist operation to begin in Jharkhand

Kolkata, Mar 18 (ANI): After the success of the first phase of the joint anti-Maoist operation in West Bengal, a similar operation will be launched in Jharkhand.

This was disclosed by Bhupinder Singh, Director General of Police, West Bengal here on Wednesday.

"So far as Orissa goes we had one in the month of January that was of course on a much smaller scale but our basic problems being with Jharkhand so we plan to do that again. I had a meeting with special DG (Director General) CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force), so we will be doing this joint operation with Jharkhand in few days time," said Singh.

Surajit Kar Purakayastha, Inspector General of Police (Law and Order), West Bengal had said on March 11 that the first phase of the operation has been successful in destroying several rebel camps and securing the confidence of the villagers.

Union Home Minister P Chidambaram had on February 12 defended the use of force against Maoists, saying it was a legitimate right of the Government.

He expressed confidence that the Centre would be able to get rid of the Maoist menace over the next four years; thereby assuring that once the areas are cleared from Maoist elements development work could be pursued expeditiously.

Referring to the offer of talks made by the Centre to the Maoists recently, Chidambaram said, "Why aren't the Maoists making a simple statement that we abjure violence?"

Maoist rebels on February 22 had offered a conditional 72-day ceasefire through media, and said that they are willing to talk to the government if it aborts Operation Green Hunt. (ANI)