Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Massacre of innocent

Like the editorial "Massacre of the innocent" (July 19), the Independent Citizens' Initiative, which studied the Salwa Judum campaign in May 2006, strongly condemns the Maoist attack on the Erraboru camp in Dantewada district on July 17. More than 40 adivasis were killed or seriously injured. Even small children were not spared. The killing of those kidnapped and thus in Maoist custody is equally reprehensible. We feel that this attack was brutal, inhuman, and unpardonable. We urge the CPI (Maoist) to desist from such atrocities.

At the same time, this confirms our earlier stand on the Salwa Judum, that rather than stopping violence, it has escalated violence. We equally condemn the atrocities committed by the Salwa Judum and security forces due to which many people have been killed without record, houses have been burnt, and women raped. The Government is responsible for ensuring the safety of its citizens. Not only did it not do that in Erraboru but by continuing with the Salwa Judum and forcing people to live in camps against their wishes, it is further endangering the lives of ordinary people. The people of Dantewada should not be used as fodder in this unfortunate game of retribution and retaliation being conducted by both sides.

We repeat our earlier plea to both sides that violence cannot be an answer to violence. The only solution to this problem is through democratic means, starting with a ceasefire, dialogue, enquiry into all acts of violence and punishment of the guilty. Adivasis should be brought to the centre stage of decision-making.

Ramachandra Guha, Harivansh, Farah Naqvi, E.A.S. Sarma, Nandini Sundar, and

B.G. Verghese
New Delhi

* * *

The Chhattisgarh Government and naxals are equally to blame for the horrendous crime perpetrated against the innocent tribals.

The conflict has assumed a dangerous proportion with the Government encouraging the tribals to wage a war against naxals with the support of the police. Salwa Judum should be disbanded immediately in the interest of the tribals.

P.L. Ramana,
Nellore, A.P.

* * *

The huge concentration of adivasis, instead of ensuring greater security, only provided opportunity to the naxals to deal a greater blow. The police miserably failed to foresee the attack though the Salwa Judum is backed by the State. If culpable inefficiency goes unpunished, tragedies of such nature will continue to take place. While it has become routine for governments to compensate families of victims after an attack, they would do well to remember that the actual relief to the families of victims is punishment of criminals.

S. Venkat Reddy,
Hyderabad

* * *

It seems those masquerading as naxalites are actually terrorists. Their actions are at cross-purposes with the very cause of their origin. The Salwa Judum's mission should not be portrayed as dangerous or seen as tribals making a rod for their own back. Terror in any form should be dealt with firmly.

Saren Jose,
Chennai

* * *

Euphoric over its victory, the Congress-led Andhra Pradesh Government engaged the naxalites in talks. The naxals used the opportunity to gain in strength, amass money and arms, and establish links with Maoists of other parts of India and Nepal. Our governments are still not firm on taking action against them. They should either be eliminated or forced into negotiations as in Nepal.

M.M. Kale,
Kakinada, A.P.

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