Convener of the Police Santrash Birodhi Public Committee (PSBPC) in Lalgarh, Chatradhar Mahato, on Sunday indicated there will be armed mass resistance if police enter tribal areas.

This came a day after the state home secretary said the police will enter Lalgarh ahead of the Lok Sabha polls to ensure smooth elections. “We are enjoying freedom in Lalgarh in the absence of the police. We can move around freely. The panchayats and blocks are also functioning smoothly. We will provide full security to polling officials but we don’t want the police in our areas,” Mahato told mediapersons at the Calcutta Press Club.

Explaining why the police were unwanted in Lalgarh, he said the CPM has prepared a “blueprint” to unleash fresh terror in the area with the help of the police. “Wearing police uniform, CPM cadres will capture polling booths. They had already driven several people out of Lalgarh. We will also not allow any Central force to visit Lalgarh since it works under the guidance of the state government,” he said.

“We assure officials that they will not face any trouble on polling day. We will provide them with adequate security,” he added.

The committee also stated it will urge tribals to vote for anyone contesting against the CPM. The PSBPC wants the consolidation of anti-CPM votes, Mahato added.

When asked about the relationship between PSBPC and Maoists, Mahato said: “It’s true we have sought assistance from all social and political organisations in our fight against CPM-sponsored terror. Maoists can join our outfit if they leave behind their party flag. The PSBPC is neither a Leftist outfit nor a Rightist organisation. It’s a platform for the people who are facing atrocities.”

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