Maoists trying to regroup in West Bengal: CRPF

KOLKATA: Hinting that Maoists are trying to regroup in the Junglemahal area of West Bengal, CRPF officers today said paramilitary forces are keeping a close watch on inputs about movement of various Maoists leaders in the area.

"I won't say that Maoists are not trying to regroup in Bengal. We get inputs that Maoists leader Ranjit Pal and others are moving here and there in Junglemahal," IG (CRPF) West Bengal sector Vivek Sahay told reporters.

"We are on high alert. We have our six battalions placed here. But let me tell you one thing, the situation in Junglemahal is much better than it was two-three years back," Sahay said.

When asked if situation had improved, why CRPF was not pulling out from Junglemahal, Sahay said "I don't have the authority to comment on such matters. But, yes I think keeping the six battalions in Junglemahal area is a wise strategic move, because if we vacate the area, then Maoists might enter Bengal after being pushed from Jharkand".

A senior CRPF officer on the condition of anonymity said, "The paramilitary forces are keeping a close watch on inputs about movement of Maoists leaders in the area. We will nab them very soon."

Sahay said the CRPF in the last few years has spent five to ten crore rupees as part of a campaign to reach out to the people of the area.

"We have organised few workshops to train them as electricians, security men for private security agencies and others," Sahay added.