Opinion - Interviews

"Ours is a fight against terrorism"

K. Srinivas Reddy

Mahendra Karma, the key figure behind the anti-Maoist civilian initiative, says the Maoists are now on the `defensive.' Excerpts from a recent interview in Hyderabad:

Mahendra Karma: "I am a tribal and I am fighting for the rights of tribals." — Photo: K. Srinivas Reddy

Just as the revolutionary movement spread from isolated pockets in inaccessible forest areas to towns and cities in the country, a counter-revolutionary movement, Salwa Zudum, which began in the Bastar forests is fast spreading to newer areas.

A notable development in Chhattisgarh last month was the conduct of Salwa Zudum (peace rallies) in the Abuz Maad forest tracts of Bastar, considered the headquarters of the Communist Party of India (Maoist) in Central India. Abuz Maad, which literally means "unknown area" has been declared "liberated" by the Maoists and security forces believe the Maoist central leadership takes shelter there.

The rallies, attended by more than 20,000 tribals have caused concern to the Maoists, who denounce the initiative as State-sponsored activity. CPI (Maoist) general secretary Ganapathy did not mince words in condemning the effort as an "onslaught that reached horrendous proportions."

How did people react to your rallies in Abuz Maad?

There was excellent response. Earlier, people had no chance of speaking against the Maoists. The naxalites laid pressure-activated mines all over the rally routes. They dug up trenches. They used transistor bombs to attack us. But people did come trekking over 100 km to attend. People are now realising that they have lost freedom because of their association with the naxals. They now know what they have lost and what they have regained. The naxalites have always maintained that Abuz Maad is controlled by them. Now you can draw your own inference after the success of our rallies there.

The Maoists denounce Salwa Zudum as a State-sponsored initiative and that your followers have killed more than 100 people so far, burnt houses and looted food grains?

Can I expect any insignificant accusation from the Maoists other than this? They have to defame our movement. The charges are totally baseless. Let me make it clear. We have nothing to do with the Government. I am a tribal and I am fighting for the rights of tribals. The tribals too have a right to have their areas developed. We have nothing to do with the killings during encounters between police and Maoists. Let them say anything... We are confident of winning in the game. Already more than 3,000 sangham members (naxalites) have surrendered themselves. More will follow suit.

Do you think the BJP Government in Chhattisgarh is doing everything to counter the naxalites? You have gone to Abuz Maad. What should be done to help the people there?

Do not drag me into political controversies. It's a fight against terrorism. Every politician has to join hands now in this effort. Yes. Abuz Maad required special attention from Government. The area is beyond the river Indravathi and you would be surprised to know that it has not been surveyed so far. It is a very difficult terrain with hills and rivulets. We had to wade [through] chest-deep waters to reach Taaki Lode. We have to construct at least three bridges across Indravathi to make Abuz Maad accessible. Then roads have to be built. Schools have to be set up. Primary health is another sector to be focussed upon.

The Government should take up these works on a war footing and complete the works as quickly as possible.

What about reprisal attacks by naxalites? Aren't you leaving the Salwa Zudum activists vulnerable?

It is true the naxalites have stepped up attacks against our activists. But we are not leaving them just like that. We are maintaining camps with police escort. It is only when these people go to villages, the naxalites come in groups and kill them. They are killing people most deceitfully. But the reprisal attacks are resented by people now. The naxalites also know this. That is the reason why naxalites move in groups nowadays in Bastar.

Just as they were moving when they entered Bastar. That itself shows that naxalites are on the self-defence mode. Situation has reversed for them now and they will be on the run soon.

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