Kolkata, July 11 (IANS) Hours before West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee's visit to the state's Maoists-hit districts, singer turned party MP Kabir Suman Monday demanded withdrawal of joint forces from the area.


He also sought strict punishment for the securitymen who have "perpetrated atrocities" on the tribals in the area.

"Mamata Banerjee is going. That's good as (former chief minister) Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee didn't visit that place. But I think the draconian law UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act) should be immediately withdrawn," said Suman while addressing a programme in Kolkata.

Banerjee is all set for her first visit to the West Midnapore and Bankura districts after taking over the reins of the state in May.

"Joint forces should be withdrawn from there and those who have and are perpetuating atrocities against the people of Junglemahal (forested stretches of the Maoist-hit West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia districts) should be strictly punished," said Suman.

Suman is currently having a strained relationship with the Trinamool leadership after he raised his voice against alleged corruption among a section of party leaders and openly condemned the joint forces operation in the Maoist-affected districts.