KOLKATA: West Bengal`s baroque politics took a new turn as several organizations having faith in China`s late revolutionary leader Mao staged demonstrations in the state capital Monday against a mopping-up anti-Maoist operation in the backwoods.

The protestors held a rally followed by a demonstration march organized by Bondi Mukti Committee fronting the banner of `Lalgarh Manch’.

"Our purpose is to condemn the state government`s policy of tackling Maoism in the Lalgarh area. One year has gone by since the joint forces were deployed in the Lalgarh area,” said APDR`s Sujato Bhadra, a member of the Bondi Mukti Committee.

Bhadra deplored that the joint forces were sent in to Lalgarh to establish the rule of law, but what they are actually doing is contrary to what they have been told to.

He also said, "The rule of law is not being maintained in the entire area.”

The protesters demanded immediate withdrawal of forces from Lalgarh area in West Midnapore district and the release of people arrested earlier on allegations of being Maoist rebels.

The authorities were also asked to initiate dialogues with the People`s Committee Against Police Atrocities (PCAPA), a front organization of the Maoists.

IST: 15.17 HRS.June21, 2010
RD/SMS/MUA