Troops intensify anti-Maoist offensive

KOLKATA: Troops on Monday intensified an offensive to retake several villages in Maoist-held territory, captured during a two-week rebellion by the left-wing guerrillas in West Bengal state.

Police said insurgents detonated a series of landmines and opened fire on troops who were heading for a key base in a 1,000 square kilometre (390 square mile) area in West Midnapur district, where Maoists control many towns.

"Maoist rebels fled the area after a fierce gun battle with security forces for nearly an hour," police Inspector General Raj Kanojia told AFP.

State police and federal forces began operations two weeks ago when tribal villagers, allegedly backed by Maoist rebels, went on a rampage against the region's communist rulers, attacking police and party offices in the town of Lalgarh, 130 kilometres (80 miles) from the state capital Kolkata.

Villagers accuse authorities in the state of committing atrocities against them and neglecting development in the region.

Kanojia said soldiers had taken control of the Maoist stronghold of Kantapahari and planned to use it as a base to expand operations.

"We have launched a final assault against Maoist rebels who are on the run," he said.

On Saturday troops regained control of the town of Ramgarh, which was captured by Maoist rebels late last year and serves as a strategic corridor for them to move in and out of the neighbouring state of Jharkhand, a hotbed of militant activity.

The Maoist insurgency, which grew out of a peasant uprising in 1967, has hit 15 of India's 29 states. The rebels say they are fighting for the rights of neglected tribespeople and landless farmers.