Ban may force Maoists to turn more aggressive: LF

The Centre's ban on the Communist Party of India-Maoist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act on Monday would make the outfit more aggressive, according to Left Front partners.

Forward Bloc state secretary Ashok Ghosh said though he did not accept the political strategy and programmes of Maoists, "We oppose the Congress leadership's decision to put the CPI-Maoist in the list of 34 other terrorist organisations. This will force Maoists to turn more aggressive."

Communist Party of India State Secretary Manju Kumar Majumder said, "We don't accept the Centre's decision to ban the Maoists who should be tackled politically. Maoists should not be dubbed terrorists."

He said that Maoists were proscribed in Chhatisgarh and in other states. "Why then are Maoist activities there growing?"

Revolutionary Socialist Party central committee member Manoj Bhattacharya said the ban would be counter-productive.

"The decision will help the Maoists to project themselves as champions of tribals and the poor," he added.