Kidnap of 2 CRPF sweepers has given another twist to the hide and seeks game state and ultras are playing. Right now ultras are having the upper hand. Having rescued the OC if the state does not secure the release of sweeper it will be seen in the bad light. Doing so will open a flood gate of similar demands.

An all flush out operation will lead to collateral damages. Staying put will lead to similar attacks and low troop morale. Both Mr Bhattacharya and PC have a very tough life. Maoists also cannot kill the sweepers as they are targets with symbolic value. Having declared them prisoner of wars they have to accord similar treatment to them.

Maoists are in no mood to talk or want to soften up the state by a series of audacious attacks. So the state has to decide whether to launch an LTTE flush out operation or to tire them out with loss of public sympathy. The inaction also has to be deliberate. I wonder why people are against industrialization.

I think if state, business and locals engage without NGOs and Maoists or at least without Maoists a way out can be devised for the industrialization with a human face. I wonder where Mr Gill and Mr Ribreo are the authorities on ultras. Can we say the water of Ganges and Narmada are getting murkier day by day.

Both Maoists and people’s committee are the two arms of the same torso. So should we engage in back channel diplomacy here? I am keeping my fingers crossed.