Hours after announcing ceasefire, Maoist attack security camp

MIDNAPORE(WB): Hours after offering a conditional 72-day ceasefire to the Centre and West Bengal government, Maoists attacked the Kantapahari camp of the security forces in West Midnapore district, leaving one person dead.

The attack took place late last night in the Naxalite stronghold of Kantapahari.

Superintendent of Police Manoj Verma said Maoist-backed People's Committee against Police Atrocities (PCPA) members assembled near the Kantapahari camp of the forces and fired, prompting the jawans to challenge them.

In the ensuing gunbattle, one person, believed to be a PCPA member, was killed.

"The PCPA members, with a number of Maoists among them, obviously had plans to attack the Kantapahari camp but the jawans were alert and repulsed them," Verma said.

More forces have been despatched to the area. Unconfirmed reports said the deceased has been identified as Lalmohan Tudu, a PCPA activist.

The attack came hours after Maoists made a conditional ceasefire offer asking the government to halt the offensive against them for 72 days and involve mediators for talks.

"State governments and the Centre should not indulge in violence between February 25 and May 7 and concentrate on development of tribal areas which will be reciprocated by Maoists," top Maoist leader Kishenji said over phone from an undisclosed place.