Expressing confidence of reclaiming areas dominated by Maoists, Union Home minister P Chidambaram said on Tuesday that inter-state operations against them had been launched in West Bengal and Jharkhand.

"The meeting discussed inter-state operations between West Bengal and Jharkhand besides West Bengal and Orissa and some decisions have been taken.

"These decisions will be implemented," he told a press conference after the key meeting with chief ministers, deputy chief ministers and senior officials of four Naxal-hit states.

Stating that intra-state operations against Maoists had been launched in Jharkhand and West Bengal, he said, "We will reclaim areas now dominated by naxals. Civil administration will be firmly established in those areas."

Expressing confidence that further progress would be made in six months, the Home Minister said he was satisfied with what was happening all over the country. Admitting that there were some inadequacies here and there, he said, "We discussed both strength and weaknesses."

Meanwhile, hundreds of Maoist sympathisers, including intellectuals led by noted writer Mahasweta Devi, jostled with the police and burnt effigies of Chidambaram and West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee on Tuesday.

Shouting anti-government slogans, the sympathisers paraded the city streets protesting against the proposed 'Operation Greenhunt' and demanded an end to "torture of innocent people in the name of combating Maoists".

Mahasweta Devi, however, left the rally soon after it left the College square area and proceeded towards Esplanade.

As the procession moved towards Esplanade, the agitators were prevented by the police to move further. Traffic was disrupted near Dorina crossing area due to the procession, police said.

Unprecedented security measures were taken in and around the state secretariat where the crucial meeting, presided over by Chidambaram, took place.

Policemen threw a human chain to guard the area leading to the VVIP zone and the chief minister's office.

Scanners were installed at the central gate and sniffer dogs were engaged as part of the enhanced security drill at the venue where all visitors were frisked.