Security forces to vacate Lalgarh schools: Buddhadeb

Kolkata, Nov 8 : West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee Sunday said that security force troopers, who have been deployed in and around Lalgarh to flush out Maoists, will vacate all school buildings they are now occupying in the region by Nov 15.

"We are trying to ensure all joint forces' personnel vacate the school buildings in Lalgarh by Nov 15. We are hopeful of completing the whole process shortly," Bhattacharjee told a press conference at West Midnapore circuit house.

He said: "We must abjure violence. The rebels should surrender their firearms."

Bhattacharjee said the centre's anti-Maoist offensive "Operation Green Hunt" would not be carried out in the state to flush out leftwing guerrillas.

The chief minister reached West Midnapore Saturday evening to monitor the law and order situation in the district. He held meetings with district police and administrative officials to review the overall situation there.

Security has been beefed up across the district. Several police pickets have been set up and mine detectors used to carry out intensive checking and ensure fool-proof security during the chief minister's visit to the state's worst Maoist-affected region.

--IANS