The CPI(Ml) has opposed the accordance of tiger reserve status to Rajaji National Park. The party passed a proposal to this effect in its State convention which concluded in Dehradun on Friday. The party has opposed the status because it believes that increasing the area of Rajaji and making it a tiger reserve will adversely affect a large population of forest dependent communities that encircle Rajaji.
CPI(Ml) also sought adequate participation of forest dwellers and Van Gujjars in the upcoming Panchayat elections in Uttarakhand. Another proposal was passed in the convention for undertaking a struggle in support of forest dwelling communities.
Party leaders alleged that forest dwellers were still to get the right of adult franchise and get basic civic amenities even after decades of the nation gaining independence. Another proposal was passed in the meeting seeking immediate conduct of Panchayat elections in Uttarakhand.
The convention also decided to hold a statewide protest programme on June 26 against United Progressive Alliance Government at Centre for its anti-people policies.
CPI(Ml) Uttarakhand State secretary Rajendra Pratholi and party’s State committee members Raja Bahuguna and Purushottam Sharma along with Garhwal secretary Indresh Maikhuri were among those who attended the convention.