The blueprint for the joint security operations in the naxal-affected States will be chalked out soon by senior officials of the West Bengal government in consultation with officials of Bihar, Jharkhand and Orissa.
West Bengal Chief Secretary Ashok Mohan Chakraborty said an additional company of the Central force was received for Lalgarh. “For better coordination, our police officials are in contact with their counterparts in the other States.”
After a meeting here last week, Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram said certain decisions were taken on the joint operations to be launched by West Bengal along with Orissa and Jharkhand.
The West Bengal Director-General of Police, accompanied by officials of the Union Home Ministry, visited the affected areas in and around Lalgarh in Paschim Medinipur district on Wednesday.
West Bengal officials have for long been calling for such coordinated action, saying that in its absence, the extremists were using a common corridor among the States to escape.
Mr. Chakraborty said the State government also urged the Centre to send forces for Darjeeling. As for the frequent blockade on the National Highway 31A by Gorkha Janmukti Morcha activists, he said that as per a court ruling, national highways could not be blocked.
