Naxalites have started losing their sway over the people of Lalgarh and its surrounding areas in the wake of a sustained operation by the joint forces and the arrest of tribal leaders Chhatradhar Mahato and Sukhshanti Baske.
According to intelligence reports, the people whose confidence the Naxalites had gained by espousing their cause, have stopped supplying food and medicine to the extremists, indicating an end to the bonhomie.
The reports said that a rift had emerged between members and supporters of the People's Committee against Police Atrocities (PCPA) following the joint forces operation and the arrest of the two tribal leaders.
The frontline leaders of the PCPA are finding it difficult to continue the movement due to police operations. Also the Naxalites have few arms left in their possession and whatever arms they have at present are primitive. Intelligence sources said that after the report reached the state police, Director General of Police Bhupinder Singh along with other top officials held a meeting on Saturday to decide the future course of action.Underground Naxalite leader Kishenji, however, rubbished the reports, saying they were without basis. "It is true we are at present having less programmes, but that is because of the festive season."
Speaking from an undisclosed location, the Naxalite leader said they were concentrating more on solving problems of the local people than fighting the joint forces. Meanwhile, the police and the administration are using the "declining popularity" of the extremists to their advantage by trying to woo the people through an extensive public relations exercise.
