Even as top Maoist leader Kishenji said talks were possible with the government if it declared a ceasefire and withdrew central forces from the Naxal-hit areas in various states, an additional six companies of paramilitary forces were deployed today in Lalgarh-Jhargram areas in West Midnapore for a renewed offensive as the Centre gears up for Operation Green Hunt.

“The additional companies have been deployed in different areas as part of the joint Centre-state forces currently engaged in operations against the Maoists,” said West Midnapore SP Manoj Verma.

The additional forces reached West Midnapore this morning and were immediately deployed in various affected areas in the Jhargram-Lalgarh belt. “We have placed them in strategic positions,” said a senior police officer who refused to elaborate.

At present, there are 17 companies of paramilitary forces, mostly BSF and CRPF, deployed in Lalgarh. This is in addition to 17 companies of state armed forces, a contingent of Special Operations Group of CID anti-Naxal CoBRA commandos from Orissa.

Meanwhile, security in West Midnapore has been beefed up ahead of the visit of Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee there on November 7, when he is likely to announce a Rs 1,600-crore development package for tribals.

“We have already started sanitising national highway No 6 and 7. A year ago, when chief minister visited Salboni, there was a landmine blast on his convoy’s route. Therefore, this time we are not taking any chances,” said a senior police officer from West Midnapore district.

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