Joint forces to remain in Maoist-hit areas: Pranab

Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee releases a book during the celebration of 125th anniversary of Indian National Congress in Kolkata on Saturday. Also seen WBPCC President Manas Bhunia (left) Photo: Sushanta Patronobish.

Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today ruled out withdrawl of security forces from Maoist-hit areas in West Bengal as demanded by his cabinet colleague and Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee.

“The joint forces will operate in Maoist-hit areas of West Bengal and other Maoist-hit states as long as they continue to violate law and order and keep challenging the government,” Mr. Mukherjee told reporters here in Murshidabad district at the end of a National Integration camp.

The Trinamool Congress chief has been demanding withdrawal of joint forces from Maoist-hit areas in West Bengal alleging that CPI(M) cadre were taking their help in committing atrocities on the people.