We will defeat Maoists in West Bengal, asserts Buddhadeb

Kolkata, Nov 8 : Condemning the Maoists for their violent activities, West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee Sunday said the Left Front government would work hand in hand with the central government to flush out Maoist guerrillas from the state.

"We'll defeat Maoist ultras and will chase them out of our state. People in our state have already started forming resistance against the extremist elements," he said.

"The Maoists have created a terrible environment in this region and they are being guided by our opposition Trinamool Congress," Bhattacharjee said addressing a public rally in West Midnapore's Debra, about 110 km from here.

Terming the arrested ledaer of People's Committee Against Police Atrocities (PCAPA) Chhattradhar Mahato a Maoist activist, he said majority of Mahato's associates had links with Left wing ultras.

"The Maoists have promoted Mahato and made him a figure in the region. Trinamool Congress also mentored these Maoist rebels to destabilise the law and order of the state. We have to fight this conspiracy," he said.

The chief minister urged the people to jointly protest the price rise of essential commodities.

"We'll organise a gathering in Kolkata this month in protest against the sky-rocketing prices of essentials. We will also reach the capital with our demand and put pressure on the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government to take necessary action," Bhattacharjee said.

--IANS