Kolkata, Nov 12 (PTI) Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee's reservations over anti-Maoist operations in West Midnapore district notwithstanding, Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today said the drive to flush out Naxalites will continue till the situation was brought under control.

"It is the decision of both the state government and the Centre to deploy joint forces at Lalgarh. The forces will continue to be there till the situation is thought to be coming under control," Mukherjee told reporters here.

Mamata has alleged 'harassment' and 'torture' on common people in the name of operations against Maoists by the joint forces, comprising central paramilitary and state police personnel.

The operations have been continuing since June 18 in West Midnapore.

Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee had said his government was ready to begin a fresh operation against Maoists and ruled out talks with them till they surrendered arms and abjured violence.