'Chase Maoists beyond borders'

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has asked the security forces leading the anti-Maoist offensive to go beyond the borders of the state into Orissa, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh.

With top Maoist leaders including Koteshwar Rao alias Kishenji on the run, the special forces from West Bengal will now be on their trail with the help of their counterparts in other states across the border.

A final blueprint for joint action with states such as Jharkhand, Orissa and Chhattisgarh will be prepared in a meeting scheduled on Monday.

"We have to have coordinated effort with states such as Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. A joint operation with these states is a must. The Maoist cadre and leaders are cornered in West Bengal and are on the run," said Vivek Sahay, inspector general, CRPF.

Police sources said leaders such as politburo member Kishenji and state secretary Akash were on the run after the recent joint operations in the Jangalmahal (West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia) resumed. Kishenji is reportedly hiding in Orissa while others have fled to the Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh borders.

"We have evidence that top leaders are on the run.... One of the confiscated letters says Bikash (a Maoist) had to cancel his meetings with Akash twice in Jangalmahal because of the security forces' presence," said a state police officer.