As the Centre prepares to launch operations against the Maoists in the six Naxal-affected states by the beginning of November, the Left Front government in Bengal has stressed on the need for launching a second phase of joint operation in worst-hit Lalgarh and adjacent areas.

A top official at the Writers’ Buildings on Wednesday told The Indian Express that personnel from paramilitary forces are being trained for the last three months on jungle warfare before launching the offensive against the Naxals. “We first heard that the operation will be launched after the festival season is over. The Central government is definitely waiting for the opportune time to launch the operation,” the official said.

He also said that the operation would be launched simultaneously in six states —- West Bengal, Orissa, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Bihar and Maharashtra. “It will be an intense operation aimed at crushing the Maoists,” the official said.

Home Secretary Ardhendu Sen, who today discussed the issue of Maoist violence with top officials of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, said that he had not yet heard on the date of launching the offensive.

The issue of the operation also figured at the core committee meeting of the state Cabinet where Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee discussed the growing threat from Maoists with ministers of the Left Front constituents.

“The chief minister said that paramilitary forces and not the Army would be involved in the operation. They will be aided by Air Force, which will press their helicopters into action for giving covering fire,” said Kshiti Goswamy, Minister for PWD.

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