People's Democracy

On Maoist Attack on Police Camp

THE Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) expresses its deep shock and condemnation of the Maoist attack on a police camp in Shilda in West Midnapur district, which resulted in the death of 24 persons belonging to the Eastern Frontier Rifles. A student has also died in the incident. This incident exposes the vicious violence indulged in by the Maoists.

The Maoists have been on a rampage in the West Midnapur district for over a year. The joint operations by the state police and the central paramilitary forces were launched to curb the Maoist violence. It is surprising that such an attack could be launched in daytime on a police camp with such large casualties and arms and ammunition being taken away.

There is necessity for better coordination between the state police and the central paramilitary forces. The central government should ensure that joint operations begin across the border in Jharkhand, without delay.

The Polit Bureau conveys its heartfelt sympathies to all the families of the policemen and the civilian who has died in this brutal attack.

(February 16, 2010)