Security forces to remain in Maoists-hit areas, says Pranab Mukherjee

NABAGRAM(WEST BENGAL): Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday said that the security forces would remain in the Maoist-hit areas in West Bengal as well as in other States.

"The joint forces will operate in Maoist-hit areas of West Bengal and other Maoist-hit states as long as they continue to violate law and order and keep challenging the government," Mukherjee told reporters in Murshidabad at the conclusion of a National Integration camp.

Earlier, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee had demanded withdrawal of joint forces from Maoist-hit areas in West Bengal alleging that Communist Party of India Marxist (CPI-M) cadre were taking their help in committing atrocities on the people.