Kolkata, Jul 29: Rejecting Trinamool Congress demand for withdrawal of central forces from the Maoist-dominated districts in West Bengal, Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee today said they would remain there till their work was complete.
Replying to questions in the state Assembly, he said 3,500 personnel of central forces, currently in 'jungle mahal' (West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia districts), would leave only after their work was over.
Bhattacharjee said he had discussed the matter with the Centre which, he said, held a similar view. Without specifying the area where peace had returned following operations by the joint forces, the chief minister said a qualitative difference has been noticed at Goaltore and Salboni (in West Midnapore district).
Some success has also been noticed in other areas, he said. A large number of Maoists operating in jungle mahal now want to surrender, Bhattacharjee said adding government will provide Rs 1.50 lakh in fixed deposits, besides a monthly fund of Rs 2000 and other benefits to each surrendered ultra.
Money would also be given against surrendered arms, he said. The state government had announced a surrender-cum- rehabilitation policy for Maoists with immediate effect yesterday.