Pointing out that Maoists attack on Eastern Fronter Rifles (EFR) camp here was a setback for the security forces, West Bengal DGP on Tuesday said the operation against the ultras would continue. “It is a setback because so many lives have been lost. But it will not change our resolve. Operation against Maoists will continue,” DGP Bhupinder Singh told reporters after visiting the camp.
To a question, he said, “It was not expected that Maoists would attack in such a way. Secondly as it was a built up area so it was difficult to retaliate in a big way because that might have led to collateral damage including the loss of lives of civilians.”
He said there was some retaliation by EFR jawans because “we have information that Maoists also suffered some casualties“.
Asked whether there was any intelligence failure, the DGP said, “Maoists sneaked in from Jharkhand. There was overall warning about attacks but there was no specific input about this particular attack.”
He said Maoists had looted 40 weapons but could not say it for sure how much ammunition was taken away.
“Operation is going to continue. We will be a bit more careful about the next step of the operation definitely,” Mr. Singh said.
To another query regarding nabbing Maoist leader Kishenji, the DGP said, “I have answered this question before. We have initiated a process and this process will continue.”
When asked whether the state administration had talks with the neighbouring states regarding the Maoists attacks, the DGP told PTI, “I have spoken with the DGPs of Jharkhand and Bihar. We are working in close co—ordination.”
“The borders have not been sealed but strict vigil is being maintained in all the areas which share their boundary with Orissa and Jharkhand,” he said.
