Forces don't buy rebel peace claim

Maoist squads in Jangalmahal, especially in and around Lalgarh in West Midnapore district, have no intention to disrupt the polls, though the security forces manning the sensitive polling booths in the Red zone are not buying the claim and are instead wary of it being a charade. Ravik Bhattacharya reports.

Maoist squads in Jangalmahal, especially in and around Lalgarh in West Midnapore district, have no intention to disrupt the polls, though the security forces manning the sensitive polling booths in the Red zone are not buying the claim and are instead wary of it being a charade. "Till now our top leaders haven't given us any express brief to carry out subversive activities in Lalgarh. However, I must tell you that we are fully prepared to take on the security forces and cause maximum damage," said Srikanto, Maoist squad leader operating in the area between Lalgarh and Dharampur.

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Srikanto replaced Sidhu Soren as the head of Sidhu Kanu People's Militia, after Soren was killed in a gun battle with the security forces last year. "The security forces have no clue on the level of our strength here. We are present and ready to strike," said Srikanto.

Security forces are also not letting their guard down and such specialised units as COBRA forces, have been deployed in the jungle terrain to deter Maoist squads already present or trying to enter from Jharkhand. "We are not taking any chances. Our forces are on high alert. There is a high probability of attacks on our forces and election officials while they return after polling. Large number of mines has been planted for surprise attacks," said T B Rao, IG, and CRPF.