IBNLive.com: Breaking news from India

 

CNN-IBN EXCLUSIVE | MAOIST LEADER SPEAKS

Font Size A+A-

Mamata must pick side in Lalgarh: Maoist leader

TimePublished on Thu, Jun 18, 2009 at 19:08, Updated on Thu, Jun 18, 2009 at 21:21 in India section

MAOIST THEORY: Maoist leader Koteshwar Rao (face masked) speaks to CNN-IBN Correspondent Sukarno Sen.

MAOIST THEORY: Maoist leader Koteshwar Rao (face masked) speaks to CNN-IBN Correspondent Sukarno Sen.


Ads by Google

ibnlive.com is on mobile now. Read news, watch videos
be a Citizen Journalist. Log on to m.ibnlive.com NOW!

Photogallery

Find us on Facebook | Join IBNLive community

Stay ahead with G-Talk Buddy | Click now!

Ads by Google
  
Print
Email

Lalgarh, West Bengal: A top Maoist leader on Thursday claimed his group’s fight against the West Bengal government in Lalgarh block in Midnapore district was a “historical struggle” and will not be crushed by security forces.

Koteshwar Rao, politburo member of the Communist Part of India-Maoists, told CNN-IBN people in Lalgarh had revolted because the Left Front government of the state didn’t allow their progress.

“Lalgarh people have many problems. They are demanding for land; they are demanding for water; they are demanding for irrigation facilities. The so-called Left government is not permitting any progress or project sanctioned by the Central government,” said Rao, who spoke with his face masked at an undisclosed location in Lalgarh.

“That is why people have revolted. People are fighting against state repression--state repression is the main factor.”

Rao claimed the West Bengal government and the Central government, which has rushed paramilitary forces to the state, had combined to create “terror” in Lalgarh but people would resist them.

“It is a historical struggle, it is a historical rebellion of the aadivasis (tribals). It is a people's war and the Maoist party is leading them,” said Rao, who claimed the ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist had organised “counter organisations” against the people.

Rao insisted that Maoists had no alliance with Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee in Lalgarh but wanted the Railway Minister to clarify her stand.

"We have no alliance with Mamata Banerjee (in Lalgarh). She and her supporters participated in the Nandigram struggle--we also participated. Mamata and Trinamool should take a stand in Lalgarh people's struggle against the armed forces of the CPI-M. She can stand with the people or she will suffer because of the central government’s decision (to send paramilitary),” he said.

"If she and Trinamool support or stand with the Central government’s decision she will alienate herself from the people. People will teach a lesson to Mamata too,” added the Maoist leader.

The state government on Thursday launched a massive security operation to free Lalgarh of Maoist rebels who have taken over the place and call it a liberated zone.

Security forces lobbed tear gas shells and made a baton charge to break a 'human wall' put up by Maoist cadres.

Authorities say the Maoists are led by Rao, also known as Kishanjee, who is in charge of militant activities, and Ganapathi, the political leader.

Ads by Google
Related Ads:

About Us | Disclaimer | Careers @ IBN | RSS | Podcast | Contact Us | Feedback | Advertise With Us | Connect.in.com

© 2010 IBNLive.com India. All Rights Reserved. A Web18 Venture

CNN name, logo and all associated elements ® and © 2009 Cable News Network LP, LLLP. A Time Warner Company. All rights reserved. CNN and the CNN logo are registered marks of Cable News Network, LP LLLP, displayed with permission. Use of the CNN name and/or logo on or as part of CNN-IBN does not derogate from the intellectual property rights of Cable News Network in respect of them.