Click to play videoLalgarh, 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.
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