Truce in Junglemahal,Mamata lays ground for talks with Maoists

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has ensured a truce between security forces and Maoists in Junglemahal,her first step towards peace talks.

On Mamatas insistence,anti-Naxal operations have been halted though Central personnel remain,state government sources said. The Maoists have reciprocated: in a region where 425 people were killed in 2010,and where the trend continued till February this year,not one person has been killed in such attacks since March.

Calling off operations,an initiative far removed from the Centres hardline approach so far,is one part of the bargain. Maoists also want some top operatives released. The government has taken a step in that direction,too,setting up a committee to work on the release of political prisoners. Mamatas plans include a special economic package for the region,sources said.

They said the Home Ministry has agreed to halt operations by Central forces,but with reservations. The Home Minister and Home Secretary G K Pillai have reportedly expressed concern about the forces being kept idle. The CRPF,too,recently sent a report that Maoists are regrouping and making recruitments,said an official.

A large number of Maoists,so far on the run,are returning to Jhargram and Lalgarh in West Midnapore.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram