In what could hurt security operations, which are at a critical stage in Lalgarh, and embarrass the Central government that has cleared them, the two Ministers of State — Mukul Roy (Shipping) and Sisir Adhikari (Rural Development) — questioned the manner in which the operation to clear the area of Maoists was being conducted. Reaching Lalgarh, they accused forces of inflicting atrocities on poor villagers and “reinstating” CPM goons.

In a statement in Delhi, Union Home Minister P Chidambaram urged political leaders to avoid going to conflict zones. “The situation in Lalgarh is sensitive and continues to be tense,” he said, adding that security forces should be allowed to carry out their work without distraction.

“I appeal to all citizens, especially political leaders, NGOs and others not to go to the conflict areas.”

However, apart from sending her ministers, Mamata herself raised the pitch accusing CPM cadres of masquerading as Maoists, killing Trinamool supporters and alleging that what was being seen in Lalgarh was a shadow war.

Announcing a protest rally in Kolkata on Monday, she said: “The security forces are carrying out atrocities on villagers. The CPM cadres are using the security operations as a shield to enter Lalgarh.”

According to her, her ministers went to Lalgarh with prior state permission but were still gheraoed by CPI(M) supporters.

Adding another dimension, a group of intellectuals and artistes, including noted filmmaker Aparna Sen, also reached Lalgarh on Sunday seeking an immediate end to the security operations. Soon after they had met Chhatradhar Mahato, leader of the People’s Committee Against Police Atrocities (PCAPA), the latter called for a ceasefire until July 14, when talks are scheduled between the state Government and PCAPA.

Mamata said the Trinamool was against bloodshed anywhere and would not allow itself to be sandwiched between the CPI(M) and the Maoists. Her party would work to keep the alliance with the Congress going, said the Union Railway Minister, but added: “In matters related to Bengal, we urge the Centre to place their trust in us, not in the Left Front. This is all we are asking for.”

She called Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee a “criminal” who had planned the Lalgarh operations and then left for Delhi. “People are dying and the CM is still thinking about banning the Maoists. A shadow war is being fought in Lalgarh. CPI(M) cadres are masquerading as Maoists, and their so-called leaders have already been smuggled out of the area. They did this in Nandigram as well. Even the PCAPA is a CPI(M) creation,” Mamata said.

She also urged the Centre to declare Bankura, Purulia and West Midnapore as “disturbed areas” and provide their residents proper security. “Why should the Lalgarh operations not be extended to CPI(M) strongholds like Garbeta and Keshpur?” Mamata said.

Trinamool ministers Roy and Adhikari claimed to have faced protests and road blockades set up by CPI(M) supporters on their way to Lalgarh, and said the police stood as mute spectators.

“The state forces are committing atrocities against innocent villagers of Lalgarh, Salboni, Goaltore, Sarenga and other areas. The state Government warned us not to come, but still we are here,” said Adhikari.

He added that they would set up relief camps for “victims of police atrocities” and submit a report to Mamata, apart from a detailed one to the Union Home Ministry. “In the name of flushing out Maoists, the state Government is allowing CPI(M) cadres to regain ground in the tribal belt.”

While the team of intellectuals, comprising filmmaker Sen, theatre personality Saonli Mitra and actor Kaushik Sen among others, also wanted to meet Maoist leaders including Kishanji, this did not materialise.

After his meeting with them, the PCAPA’s Mahato said: “We are caught in a crossfire between the state Government and the Maoists. The state forces are targeting innocent villagers, they are not even sparing women and children... We want both sides to stop armed combat and sit for talks.”

Sen and other team members also called for a ceasefire till July 14. “We have heard that the police personnel are dragging out women from their homes and beating them up,” she said.

The intellectuals also accused the state Government of not checking Maoist activity in time and for under-development of tribal-dominated areas. “What was the state Government doing when the Maoists were building a base here? There is no drinking water, school or health facilities here,” Mitra said.