Author: Agencies
Publication: IBNLive.com
Date: November 25, 2008
URL: http://ibnlive.in.com/news/harassed-by-maoists-and-cops-bengal-village-rebels/78926-3.html
The police are under siege in Lalgarh, the
Maoist stronghold in West Bengal's West Midnapore district. But it's not just
the Maoists who are causing them trouble.
Tribals in Lalgarh are up in arms against
the administration and have forced the police to keep to their station. The
tribals say the frequent police raids in search of Maoists has hurt their
pride. "We want a peaceful solution. The police have assaulted us but
we won't assault the police," says a tribal woman.
At Katapahari village in Lalgarh, villagers
openly make strategies for their next move against the police and flaunt sticks
to punish erring policemen.
"Our agitation will continue till our
demands are made. The administration must come here and settle the matter,"
says a Katapahari village resident.
The agitation in Lalgarh threatens to spread
and taken over by ultra-left radicals. The police and the administration are
alienated from the feeling of Lalgarh's people, making the task of placating
tempers even tougher.
