Kolkata:
In a new development, the Centre has made it clear to the West Bengal government that they should use their own forces to control the situation in Lalgarh and it is the state government's primary responsibility to maintain law and order.
The home ministry has said that the paramilitary forces are being sent to the state only to assist the state police. The state government must use their own forces too in the trouble-torn districts.
The Centre has rushed 500 CRPF personnel to west Midnapore out of which 200 personnel have already reached the place and 300 more are expected to reach later on Wednesday.
Earlier, there was more Maoist violence in Lalgarh in West Midnapore district, which is less than 200 kilometers from West Bengal's capital Kolkata. They struck on Wednesday morning, killing three people and kidnapping three others.
The Maoists are still holding out, three days after laying siege to what was a CPM stronghold.
The three people who were killed on Wednesday morning at Debi Chowk village near Jhargram were all CPM activists.
Maoists also burnt down a CPM local committee members' house at Khorakata in Goaltore. The Lokhipur police station has been vandalised and three people have reportedly been kidnapped on Tuesday night.
There are reports that Maoists are digging up roads leading to Lalgarh and Central forces have been dispatched.
Maoists advance in Bengal
The Lalgargh siege by Maoists shows that they are now trying to expand their sphere of influence. Earlier, they used to operate out of the bordering state of Jharkhand. But about two years ago, they managed to set up base in Purulia and Bankura.
Now, they are trying to enter Lalgarh in west Midnapore and according to West Bengal police, the Maoists are also trying to extend their area of influence to Keshpur in west Midnapur district and Arambagh in Hoogly district.