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.
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“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.