Naxal violence is not the problem of any particular State; rather it is a national issue and both Centre as well as States failed in tackling it as solid steps are needed to solve this riddle, claimed State president of National People’s Party and former Union Minister Arvind Netam while talking with journalists at Patrakar Bhawan here on Tuesday.
Criticising the Maoist attack on Congress convoy in Darbha Valley on May 25, Netam expressed deep his condolences to those killed in the attack. He charged that Centre as well as the state government indulge only in issuing administrative speeches without giving vent to the real cause. Whether it was the Union Home Minister or the state’s Chief Minister, none of them bothered to give a serious thought to the biggest ever Maoist attack on a political party killing more than 28 political leaders and workers as well as security personnel.
He alleged that nowhere in the country including Bastar Fifth Schedule of the Constitution is working. Acquisition of land and minerals’ excavation are done in total violation of norms and Chhattisgarh is the biggest victim of all these, Netam said.
Governor has unrestricted power in areas inhabited by tribals and covered under Fifth Schedule, but unfortunately, the governor is not using his powers. Basis on which the annual report is sent by the governor to the Centre needs to be brought before the country, he demanded.
Netam alleged that PESA Act was being violated rampantly and Forest land Right Act is not implemented honestly in the State besides Tribal communities have been deprived of their justified rights. Even after signing the proposal of the Organisation of United Nations (UNO) brought in favour of Tribal people in 2004 India Government is not adhering to it, the NPP leader alleged.
According to the proposal, without taking in to confidence no army could be deployed in areas inhabited by Tribal people. But in Bastar, the home of Adiwasis, Army has been sent in the name of providing training to paramilitary forces. Also, there is no coordination between Home Ministry and Tribal Welfare Departments at the Centre, Netam charged.
In the country steps will be initiated either as per the provisions of the Constitution or the globalisation, both cannot go together, Netam said adding that government would have to consider the issue afresh.