Security forces launch final assault against Maoists

LALGARH: Launching their final offensive to reclaim areas held by the Maoists in West Midnapore district, security forces started marching towards Kantapahari from both Lalgarh and Ramgarh ends today.

The forces, comprising 1600 men of the CRPF, BSF, State Armed Police and India Reserve Battalion set out at around 7:00 am from Lalgarh and Ramgarh in a pincer movement, a senior CRPF officer told a PTI correspondent accompanying the forces.

Around 180 men of the CoBRA forces were accompanying the central forces and state police to sanitise areas, especially jungles. A helicopter was in the air to spot the Maoists from above.

"Taking Kantapahari is important for us, as it holds the key to the Maoist resistance in West Midnapore district," intelligence sources said.