Mamata Demands Deployment of Army in Maoist-infested Areas
Retracting from its demand of President’s rule in West Bengal, the Trinamool Congress has said that it wanted rule of law to prevail but demanded deployment of army in three Maoist-affected districts of the Left-Front ruled state.
“We are not asking for Article 356 (Presiden’’s Rule) to win elections. Government must act as per the Constitution andprotect the minorities, women and weaker sections in West Bengal,” TC chief and railway minister Mamata Banerjee told reporters after meeting with prime minister Manmohan Singh.
Yesterday, Trinamool MPs created pandemonium in the Lok Sabha in protest against CPM’s ‘continuous attack’ on its workers in West Bengal, leading to brief adjournment of the House.
Banerjee said that her party had won the recent Lok Sabha polls, assembly by-elections and local bodies without Article 356.
“We just want to protect our democratic system and safety and security of the people. We are neither for Article 355 nor Article 356. We want the genocide to stop in Bengal,” she said.
However, Banerjee demanded deployment of army in the Maoist-affected districts of West Midnapore, Purulia and Bankura to recover arms being used by Maoists and to restore law and order in the area.
In response to a query if she adhered to the demand for imposition of President’s Rule in the state, she said “we are for genocide to stop and rule of the law must prevail.”
Banerjee along with her party delegation met Manmohan Singh here this afternoon. On her meeting with the prime minister,Banerjee said, “We told him everything and handed over all details regarding the continuous violence unleashed by these elements. We want protection of minorities, people from weaker sections, women and others who are targeted under the CPI(M) rule and rule of the law should prevail.”
About the PM’s response she said he gave a patient hearing and expressed concern over the political violence in the state. “He agreed that rule of law should prevail.”