The West Bengal government has sought 2,000 additional paramilitary personnel from the Centre, indicating that it was getting ready to launch full-fledged operations against the Maoists in the State.
It has requested the Union Home Ministry to urgently dispatch two battalions to be deployed for anti-Naxal operations.
Official sources said the request came on the eve of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee giving a seven-day deadline to the Maoists to lay down arms, saying violence would not be tolerated any more.
“We welcome the Chief Minister's announcement, as it reflects the State government's understanding of the prevailing situation in three Naxal-affected districts — West Midnapore, Purulia and Bankura,” a Home Ministry official said.
