Second phase of Lalgarh operations will also fail: CPI Maoist leader Kishenji

Kolkata: Hinting of another tough resistance to security forces in Lalgarh, a top Maoist leader today said the second phase of joint operations will also fail as “no government can oppress the voice of the people”.

“This is a people’s movement and no government can oppress the voice of the people,” Kishenji said on phone from an undisclosed location.

“They were not successful in the first phase so they are preparing for a second phase,” he said.

He alleged that the joint forces were disrupting studies of students because of their occupation of school buildings and also harassing tribals in Lalgarh.

Kishenji claimed to have written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on July 12 and West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee on July 26 demanding withdrawal of the joint forces and that talks be held. “I have received no reply,” he said.

Alleging that all political parties including CPI-M and Trinamool Congress were trying to encash on the situation at Lalgarh, he said that “neglected by the government for years, tribals were now carrying out their own development activities.

“Is it wrong if tribals unite and do something which is the duty of the government? Why is the the government obstructing tribals from carrying out development work?” he asked.

Bureau Report