Preparing for a major offensive against the Maoists, the West Bengal Government on Tuesday banned the entry of outsiders into Lalgarh and surrounding areas. The area, meanwhile, remained peaceful with little disturbance from either side and no forward movement from the state and Central forces.

“Our operation is on. No outsiders will be allowed to enter Lalgarh and surrounding areas. Already Section 144 has been imposed in the area and 20 companies of Central paramilitary forces are present,” said IG (Law and Order) Raj Kanojia. “The results of the operation will be seen from tomorrow,” he added.

A group of intellectuals led by Jaidip Mukherjee, head of Legal Aid Services, an NGO, who tried to enter Lalgarh, was detained by the police near Salboni. “This is a sham. Why can’t we go in? I have heard that when Aparna Sen and Saonli Mitra entered Lalgarh recently, police slapped cases against them for violating Section 144,” Jaidip alleged.

Meanwhile, hectic activity was seen at the recently recaptured Lalgarh police station, now a base camp for the security forces. Senior officers of the joint forces were busy holding meetings to chalk out their further plan of action. One of them, on condition of anonymity, said CoBRA forces and the CRPF personnel were sanitising the area of Maoist dens.

At least four police checkposts have been set up in between Bhadutala and Lalgarh Road. “Apprehending that the Maoists might enter the areas disguised as mediapersons or traders, a thorough check has been initiated by the administration,” said Samar Mitra, a senior officer supervising the operations at Pirakata. The district administration and police were also concentrating on regaining the confidence of the locals.

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