LF to discuss Central ban on Maoists in core committee

The Left Front in West Bengal today decided to discuss front partners' opposition to the implementation of the Centre's ban on the CPI (Maoist) by the state government in a core committee of the state cabinet.

If necessary, the issue would be discussed at a cabinet meeting also, Left Front Chairman Biman Bose told reporters after an emergency meeting of the front that was convened in the wake of strident criticism of the government's decision to implement the ban by the RSP, CPI, Forward Bloc and others.

Bose said that the Maoists, who have unleashed a reign of terror in the Lalgarh area, would be fought politically.

"We will, however, see to it that while efforts are made to isolate them politically, all administrative measures are taken to maintain normal life," he said.

Bose said the state government would decide how and when to implement the Centre's ban.

He claimed people at Lalgarh and surrounding areas had realised their mistake of association with the Maoists as they were forced to come under their influence in the absence of no 'alternative'.

He said the Left Front had appealed to the Maoists to join the mainstream of life and claimed the people had not spontaneously supported the extremists.