'Lalgarh operations not total success'

The anti-Maoist joint operations by Central forces and police at restive Lalgarh in West Midnapore district were not a total success as no major arrest could be made or killings stopped, the West Bengal Government said.

The anti-Maoist joint operations by Central forces and police at restive Lalgarh in West Midnapore district were not a total success as no major arrest could be made or killings stopped, the West Bengal Government said on Thursday.

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"Even though it brought success initially, the second phase of operation proved unsuccessful," West Bengal Home Secretary Ardhendu Sen told reporters in Kolkata.

Stating that there were 40 companies (4000 men) of Central force in Lalgarh currently, he said killings and abductions were continuing.

"Obviously the forces cannot be everywhere and the Maoists are taking that opportunity. In most cases Maoists are targeting CPI(M) party members," Sen said.

Asked if the operations were a failure in strategy, Sen evaded a direct reply, saying, "Strategy is always flexible and subject to continuous updating. When we find it did not work, we have to change the strategy."

Asked why People's Committee Against Police Atrocities convener Chhatradhar Mahato, who heads the agitation by tribals in Lalgarh, could not be arrested, he replied, "Yes, Chhatradhar has not yet been arrested, but will be arrested."

He was speaking after a meeting to review the Lalgarh operations which were launched with much fanfare of June 18.