M A I N   N E W S

Centre rap for Maoist supporters
Will retain security forces to combat rebels in WB

New Delhi, October 26
The Centre today slammed those supporting the Maoists, a day after fresh Naxal violence killed four CISF jawans in Chhattisgarh and condemned the landmine attack as wanton, mindless and pre-meditated. It also assured the West Bengal government that it will not withdraw the 1,700 personnel of Central security forces from the three Maoist-hit districts of West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia.

In a statement, the Union Home Ministry suggested that pro-Maoist sympathisers must think over the violence unleashed by Naxals. It questioned not only the CPI (Maoist) but also those who speak on their behalf as to what was the motive behind the attack and what is the message the banned outfit intends to convey.

“What is the motive behind the attack on a police force that provides security to National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC)? What is the message that the CPI (Maoist) intends to convey? These are questions that the government would like to put not only to the CPI (Maoist) but also to those who speak on their behalf and chastise the government,” the statement said.

The statement said the government strongly condemned the unprovoked and heinous attack by the Naxals on a public sector security force that was on a routine patrol in an area falling under the jurisdiction of a public sector corporation.

Four CISF personnel — a sub-inspector, a head constable and two constables — were killed and two others were critically injured in a landmine blast in Bacheli in Dantewada yesterday. Over 50 Naxals triggered a blast to blow up a jeep carrying six CISF jawans, who were on a regular patrol near Rajabangla village in the district, RK Vij, Inspector General of Police told PTI.

The CISF jawans were deployed at the National Mining Development Corporation in the area, he said. The armed Naxalites also opened fired on the vehicle which was promptly retaliated by other CISF men who were patrolling and reached the spot soon after the attack, Vij said, adding the rebels fled immediately.

The deceased have been identified as SK Samal, Satpal Singh, Virendra Dhruv and Rahul Gopal. The injured have been identified as SK Sharma and Jugal Kishore.

The MHA statement noted that NMDC is engaged in development of minerals, gives employment, promotes economic activity, and undertakes many welfare activities in the area as part of its corporate social responsibility.

The assurance to retain security forces to combat Maoists was given to West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee by Union Home Minister P Chidambaram when the two met in Delhi recently.

A CPI state leader, who preferred anonymity, said the CM gave a briefing of his discussion with Chidambaram at a Left Front meeting here today. The CM reportedly expressed his government’s firm determination to take on the Maoist challenge. He was also keen to find out the whereabouts of the two policemen missing since July 30.

He said Buddhadeb dwelt at length on steps to fortify all 20 police stations in West Midnapore district, alert security forces and agencies about an impending Maoist attacks and augmenting police force and check-posts in the vulnerable areas.

“Efforts will be made to face the Maoists through encounters,” he is said to have told the meeting. Bhattacharjee said it was evident from Chidambaram’s assertion that the Centre would like to combat the Maoists effectively, the CPI leader said. — PTI