Indian Maoists
The following comes from theTimes of India.
India: Maoists ignore ultimatum, issue demands
Ignoring the ultimatum set by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Maoists on Sunday (October 23) issued a new set of demands. Maoists posters were found in various parts of Goaltore in West Midnapore.
According to the posters, the Maoists highlighted that pre-poll promises were not kept by the state government. Setting two specific demands, the Maoists called for the removal of Joint Forces and also demanded the list of 52 political prisoners to be released, which Mamata Banerjee had announced a few months ago.
A bandh was called by Maoists in districts of West Midnapore, Purulia and Bankura on Saturday — the same day Chief Minister’s deadline ended where she asked Maoists to give up arms.
Meanwhile, with increasing threat perception from Maoists following West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s tough stand against them, the administration has decided to step up security at the state secretariat, her residence and convoy.
Three metal detectors would be installed at the entrance to the Chief Minister’s Office to keep a tab on the high security zone, secretariat sources said today.
One metal detector would be installed between the CMO and Press Corner and the remaining two near the state Home Secretary’s office. The three metal detectors would be installed next week to keep a tab on those entering the high security zone. Frisking at the VVIP gate at the state secretariat have also been introduced, they said.
Security of the convoy of the chief minister, who does not use an official car and whose car stops at all traffic signals though she is ‘Z-Plus’ category, would be strengthened, the sources said. Security at her residence at Kalighat in south Kolkata where a Maoist surrendered and was arrested yesterday would also be strengthened, the sources said.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has also reportedly stressed on the need for stepping up the security of the chief minister by assigning National Security Guard (NSG) commandos. Steps were also being considered to not allow people to come close to the chief minister at any place and at public rallies and meetings.
