Mamta's message to Maiost, violence can't be tolerated

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has hinted that any kind of violence will not be tolerated in the state and government is not going to spare those responsible for the same. She was addressing during another of her frequent district tours in Maoist affected Belpahari area. During her visit, CM promised to usher in all-round development.

During addressing a public meeting Mamta Banerjee highlighted the government's initiatives to uplift the backward area and hand out benefits such as job cards.

Earlier chief minister has interacted to her officials and said to fine tune development projects and delivery mechanism in the areas.

She issued a warning also to the Maoist guerrillas, who had declared Belpahari a liberated zone in 2000, that her government would not tolerate violence.

"Maoists are being brought into the state from Odisha and Jharkhand. They are trying to regroup. But I must make it clear that any kind of violence will not be tolerated. We will not spare those who hand guns to innocent villagers," said the chief minister.

"History shows rule of gun does not bring peace. Peace is earned through sincerity, devotion and commitment towards development. For a long time, Belpahari and surrounding areas used to be ruled by guns. But now, transformation has taken place. Peace and development are doing wonders."she added.

It is noted that the visit of CM to the far-off area in West Midnapore district by the chief minister was rare, with old timers recalling the visit 40 years ago of the then Congress chief minister S.S. Ray.

Ray had toured Belpahari in 1972 - then part of Midnapore district - to get first hand knowledge of a drought sweeping the area.

(With inputs from IANS)