The Hindu : Front Page : Security forces all set for major offensive in Lalgarh

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Monday, Jun 29, 2009
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Front Page

Security forces all set for major offensive in Lalgarh

Raktima Bose

Several IEDs planted by Maoists were detected
Securing the 14-km Lalgarh-Ramgarh stretch could be a daunting task

LALGARH: Security forces have consolidated their positions and are set to secure a 14-km stretch between two base camps in Lalgarh and Ramgarh considered the epicentre of Maoist activity in the region.

The operation by the Central paramilitary forces and the West Bengal police to flush out Maoists and activists of the Maoist-backed Police Santrash Birodhi Janasadharaner Committee (PSBJC) from Lalgarh and its adjoining areas entered the 11th day on Sunday.

Several improvised explosive devices (IED) planted by the Maoists within a 15-km-radius of the Lalgarh region were detected by the security forces as they patrolled the roads leading to Lalgarh and Ramgarh that have been reclaimed. There was no major movement by the security forces during the day.

Two arrested

Two suspected Maoists were arrested from Sarenga in the neighbouring Bankura district, according to reports reaching here. Firearms, detonators, wires and several incriminating articles were seized from them.

Members of a bomb detection squad of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) detected three IEDs at Sarpura, 13 km from here, when the security forces were moving from Binpur towards Belatikri in the Lalgarh area. A powerful directional landmine was found soon after near Raghunathpur.

High-ranked officials of the police and the Central forces held several meetings on the day to draw up the next course of action.

Securing the 14-km stretch between Lalgarh and Ramgarh could be one of the most difficult phases of the operation by the security forces, said the officials who did not rule out the possibility of the forces meeting heavy resistance from the Maoists.

Meanwhile, life in the region is limping back to normality.

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