Maoists want withdrawal of Operation Green Hunt in West Bengal - India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

Maoists in West Bengal are mobilising the support of Marxist-Leninist Liberation group here to call off 'Operation Green Hunt' launched against them by the Central and State Governments. A rally was organised by hundreds of workers and supporters of Naxalites here. During the rally, the demonstrators demanded immediate withdrawal of 'Operation Green Hunt'. The demonstrators also criticized the price hike on essential commodities. "We have been raising this issue all over India and we are here to somehow demand that the Central Government, with the help of the State Government, withdraw this 'Operation Green Hunt'. Another issue that we all know that for the last seven months, if not the whole year, because of excessive price hike on essential commodities, the people of India are suffering like anything and neither the central government nor the state government have taken any measures in order to punish the hoarders and the black marketers. So, we are raising such issues," said Abhijit Majumdar, Siliguri District President of CPI (ML) Liberation. Most Maoist rebels have ignored calls from the Government to renounce violence and negotiate. Instead, they have stepped up their attacks in recent months, prompting the government to go after them in a concerted strike. Maoist rebels, had on February 22, offered a conditional 72-day ceasefire through the media, and said they were willing to talk to the government if it aborts Operation Green Hunt. Many believe the offer was a ruse to enable them to regroup. The Maoists contend they are fighting for the rights of the poor, marginal farmers and the landless labourers.