The key Maoist stronghold of Ramgarh was breached by security forces on Saturday through a two-pronged attack in West Bengal's West Midnapore district.
Braving landmines and incessant gunfire, the security forces appeared to have the Maoists on the run, but not before the rebels torched an AITUC office.
Security forces entered Ramgarh from Lalgarh in the south and Kadasole in the north.
A senior Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officer confirmed that Ramgarh had been secured, but added that operations against the rebels would continue.
Earlier in the day, the Naxalites detonated three landmines and were engaged in a vigorous firefight with security forces in the Mohultol Forests.
The 1000-strong Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)- Rapid Action Force retaliated with mortars, LMGs and AK-47s overcoming some of the rebels.
Security forces claimed to have gained control of Lalgarh in the south, and said that 1100 security personnel were heading towards Ramgarh and Amdanga.
A mine detection unit and a team from the District Intelligence Bureau preceded the security forces, which also comprised jungle warfare experts of the CRPF. nti-landmine vehicles and bulldozers to clear the road accompanied the forces advancing from the forested flanks of the roads.
DIG CID (Special Operations Group), S N Gupta said the operations have entered a critical phase with resistance anticipated from Maoists and tribals under the People's Committee against Police Atrocities (PCPA).
Troops are meeting the people, listening to their grievances and assuring them of security from the Maoists.
West Midnapore District has been in the grip of Naxal blockade for over eight months. On Friday and Saturday, the Maoists were made to quit Kadasole for Mohultol village. (ANI)
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