Forward Bloc criticises timing

Operation Lalgarh: Mahato arrest

Left Front partner Forward Bloc questioned the timing of the arrest of tribal leader Chhatradhar Mahato, saying it could affect normalcy in the state which is hard-pressed to maintain law and order during Durga Puja festivities.

"I wonder whether his arrest at this time would help normalise the situation. The state government should justify the timing of the arrest at a time when there is a warning from the Centre about a possible terrorist attack in the state," party's state general secretary Ashok Ghosh told PTI.

Ghosh said that Mahato, who has been in open contact with political leaders for sometime and was issuing statements regularly, could have been arrested three months ago through the same process as today.

"Every action has a reaction and the government should justify the timing of the arrest of Mahato," he said. He, however, parried questions on whether Mahato, who led an agitation against alleged police atrocities since November, last year in the Lalagarh area, was a Maoist and if his arrest was justified.

Meanwhile, questions were raised about the manner and timing of the arrest. The Indian Journalist Association (IJA) said the arrest by the policemen posing as journalists was "most reprehensible".

"This will make work of journalists highly suspect in the eyes of people and would unduly affect their credibility," a joint statement from the IJA said.

Meanwhile, three persons were taken into police custody for allegedly triggering a landmine blast in in Dalilpurchowk shortly after the arrest of Chhatrdahar. The tribals under him had "liberated" Lalgarh and had a free run for nine months with the police withdrawing from camps before the central forces and local police recaptured the areas from Maoists.