' Lalgarh- like operations in other states'.

UNION home secretary G. K. Pillai on Thursday said the government will launch Lalgarh- like operations in states such as Chhattisgarh against the Maoists.

" Lalgarh is the laboratory for us and this will be reflected in what we are going to do in other Naxalism- hit areas such as Chhattsigarh. The operation in Lalgarh was by and large successful, but not complete as we want to arrest all top Maoists leaders. We will go for Lalgarh- type operations in several states, especially Chhattisgarh, to deal with one of the country's biggest problems," said Pillai.

Pillai said forces will remain in Lalgarh and other areas as long they were required, " and if necessary, may be up to two years". He said Trinamool Congress chief and railway minister Mamata Banerjee was not putting any pressure to end the operations in Lalgarh. " The offensive against the Maoists in Lalgarh was far from over," Pillai added.

Pillai said Lalgarh and its adjoining areas in West Midnapore district were limping back to normalcy and civil and police administration had started functioning normally. Pillai said the security agencies have taken utmost care to avoid collateral civil casualties.

" Though the fear of Maoists is on the minds of the people, they have resumed their normal lives. The security forces have consolidated most of the areas," said A. S. Gill, director- general of CRPF. The anti- Naxal operation in Lalgarh has not been very successful with major Maoist leaders still roaming free. Lalgarh has been under the grip of the Maoists for nearly eight months now.

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