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.

... contd.