Reclaiming Lalgarh

Lalgarh first came under media attention at the beginning of November 2008. The Communist Party of India (Maoist) launched a massive fight against police personnel and rival ruling communist party; Communist Party of India (Marxist). In June 2009 Indian security forces launched Operation Lalgarh against the Maoists in the village.

The Government of West Bengal sought assistance from the Central Government in the operations against the Maoists in Lalgarh. The final order to start the operation was given by Chief Minister, Buddhadev Bhattacharya. Through this photofeature, we revisit the operation that witnessed the reclaiming of villages controlled by Maoist guerillas.

Policemen take instruction from their commander prior to moving into the villages of Lalgarh. (AFP)

Soldiers carry mortar launchers as they move inside the villages of Lalgarh in the Midnapore district. (AFP)

Activists of the People's Committee Against Police Atrocities (PCPA) fell trees to construct roadblocks to prevent the paramilitary forces from entering the villages of Lalgarh in Midnapore district of West Bengal.

Victims or perpetrators? A policeman inspects a patch of blood where three CPM workers were killed by Maoist activists at Bankshole village in Midnapore, some 200 kms west of Kolkata after days of clashes between tribal villagers and police. The Naxals said they were fighting for the rights of neglected tribals and landless farmers. (AFP)

As we plead for peace: Activists of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPM) pray for their cadres killed by alleged Maoists in the West Midnapore district in West Bengal, during a protest in New Delhi. The protestors called on the government to immediately send paramilitary forces to the area to stop clashes between tribal villagers and police.(AFP)

And raise our voice: Activists of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPM) shout slogans against Maoists and the Congress-led UPA government as they condemned the killing of their cadres by alleged Maoists in the West Midnapore district of West Bengal, during a protest in New Delhi. (AFP)

Wonder how many more to sacrifice? A woman mourns the death of her only son who was shot dead by suspected Maoists, at Banksole village, in Midnapore, 200 kilometers (124 miles) west of Kolkata, in West Midnapore district. (AFP)

Destruction leaves a trail: A paramilitary soldier patrols past the office of the Communist Party of India-Marxist(CPM), vandalized by activists of People's Committee Against Police Atrocities (PCPA) at Lalgarh. (AP)

Shattered and scattered... A road vandalized by Maoists at Lalgarh, about 200 kilometers (124 miles) west of Kolkata, in West Midnapore district of West Bengal.(AP)

Safeguarding: Policemen patrol outside the village where three Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPM) workers were killed by suspected Maoists.(AFP)

Message from skies: Village children collect pamphlets airdropped at Koima in west Midnapore, about 147 kilometers west from Kolkata. (AP)

Early success: Paramilitary soldiers embrace as they enter the Lalgarh police station in Midnapore on June 20, 2009. (AFP)

Ready for action: A paramilitary soldier takes position as armed forces personnel proceed towards Lalgarh in Midnapore district, some 200 kms west of Kolkata. (AFP)

In tight spot: West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee gestures as he arrives for a meeting with Home Minister P Chidambaram in New Delhi on June 20, 2009. (AFP)

Paramilitary soldiers proceed towards Lalgarh in Midnapore district. (AFP)

In position: A paramilitary soldier takes up position during combat with Maoists in Pirrakuli village near Lalgarh in Midnapore district, some 200 km west of Kolkata, on June 19, 2009. (AFP)

In the battle zone: Paramilitary soldiers take position during an encounter with Maoist rebels at Bhimpur, in west Midnapore, about 152 kilometers west from Kolkata, on June 19, 2009. (AP)

Here they are: COBRA (Combat Battalion for Resolute Action) personnel keep vigil at a police camp in Bhimpur, in west Midnapore on June 19, 2009. (AP)

Moving in: Paramilitary soldiers take position during an encounter with Maoist rebels at Bhimpur. (AP)

Cautious approach: A paramilitary soldier takes up position during combat with Maoists in Pirrakuli village near Lalgarh in Midnapore. (AFP)

Danger zone: Policemen take position during an encounter with Maoist rebels at Bhimpur. (AP)