Date:24/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/24/stories/2007112463021600.htm

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Concept of ‘liberated zones’ should not be tolerated, says Shivraj Patil

Special Correspondent

“It may not be written on their shirts, but the Maoists were there in Nandigram”

Shivraj Patil

NEW DELHI: The concept of “liberated zones,” as was the case in Nandigram, should not be tolerated, Home Minister Shivraj Patil said in the Rajya Sabha on Friday.

Confirming the presence of armed elements who had incited people, he said the type of arms recovered from the area were used by terrorists elsewhere.

Replying to a short discussion on “the proposal to set up SEZ [special economic zone] in Nandigram and the consequent large scale violence,” Mr. Patil said normality should have been restored once the West Bengal Chief Minister clearly guaranteed against acquisition of land for the chemical hub.

“But that did not happen. This means some were prepared for a confrontation with a national perspective in mind. For 11 months, ordinary people, the police and government officials could not enter the area. This type of situation cannot be ignored because liberated zones like the one there can take place elsewhere.

“We know there were some who remained behind the scenes but played the role of agent provocateurs. The arms were also such that are recovered [by the police] from terrorists. The riverine terrain [as in Nandigram] is used to bring arms. It would have been better if discussions had taken place. We were all pained by the bloodshed. Some mistakes were made but they can be corrected. Attempts should be made to bring back those who had to flee. They should be provided security as well as compensation. Action should be taken against those who capitalised on the situation,” Mr. Patil said.

He also spoke about the downside of land distribution when the population increased. The answer to fragmenting land holdings was setting up industries. But for that, someone’s land would have to be taken. But for small farmers, their land is dearer to them than their lives. “That is the truth of life. What happens then?” The government was framing a policy under which fertile land would not be acquired.

The Minister said he was happy that not many had demanded the dismissal of the State government. “One should bear in mind if you are asking [for action] against one State, then one won’t be able to say that action should not be taken against another State.”

Asked by the Opposition about the presence of Maoists, “I have said in so many words. It [that they were Maoists] may not be written on their shirts. Those creating problems were there. You don’t have to take it from me.”

Asked whether he approved of the methods adopted by the West Bengal government, the Home Minister shot back: “Without giving the opportunity to cross-examine, do you want me to give a judgment? I won’t do that. We won’t tolerate if anybody is not allowed to enter.”

Brinda Karat, CPI(M), during the debate said, “When the issue of rapes or sexual assault on women was raised in the House, I felt that there was a trivialisation of the issue. There has not been a single instance in Nandigram where a woman has complained that a rape case she wanted to lodge was not registered. It is alleged that hundreds have been raped. But according to police records four cases have been registered. If political parties use the vulnerability of women to level false charges of rape for their partisan ends it affects the very credibility of the demand, so please do not do it. For us there are no “their” women and “our” women, no “their” poor and “our” poor, the West Bengal government is committed to ensuring justice in all such cases.”