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Lalgarh: Security forces on Saturday claimed to have entered Maoist controlled Lalgarh in West Midnapore district.

The security men finally marched into Lalgarh after months of resistance from the Maoists and armed tribals.

Many parts of the Maoist-controlled area in West Bengal's West Midnapore district were taken over by the state police and central paramilitary forces and Lalgarh police station was also back under their command.

"For the first time state police travelled on the road for 36 hours. The task was difficult but it has been achieved. The rule of law should prevail. If goons are operating in the name of Maoists they must be punished," said Praveen Kumar, DIG, West Midnapore.

Even though security forces are now in Lalgarh, yet many places have huge blockades greeting them.

A village just a few kilometres away from where the security forces are camping has been designated a no-entry zone for police by the Maoists.

The villagers, part of a local resistance group, have regrouped there and have put up roadblocks. Armed with their traditional bow and arrows, the villagers promise to put up a fight till the end.

"We will definitely fight. The consequences will be bad," said a villager Lalmohan Tudu.

But Maoists, who have entrenched themselves in the area for eight months now, have offered to talk with the government, provided the operations against them are suspended.

The state government is unlikely to pay much heed to such demands. They have tasted initial success but the challenge still remains to liberate Lalgarh without bloodshed.

More on: Maoists, Naxals, West Bengal