Govt takes steps to normalise life in Lalgarh

To provide drinking water,the administration has sanctioned three pipelines in Pirakata,Katapahari and Ramgarh areas. “The area at present has only one pipe line catering to about 10,000 people in 10 mouzas,” he said. “The infrastructure of Lalgarh hospital would also be developed. Three new doctors would be appointed and medicines including life savings drugs would be made available in the hospital,which at present has only one doctor,” Das said. Fresh ration cards would be distributed to the villagers after verification by panchayat member or block development officer.

Meanwhile,a series of meetings were scheduled on Thursday with the secretaries of several departments with local police and civil officials here to improve the socio-economic condition of the people,Das said. Agitating tribals of West Midnapore,under the banner of People’s Committee Against Police Atrocities,backed by Maoists had launched a violent agitation since November last against alleged police “atrocities” on them following a landmine blast at Salboni in which Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and two Union ministers had a narrow escape.

The Maoists went on the rampage targeting ruling CPI(M) cadres and offices and virtually took control of a large area after driving away the police and paramilitary forces. The security forces began a crackdown on June 18. The operation is nearing completion with security personnel recapturing most of the Maoists-held areas.