The para-teachers on job in remote areas in Naxal-infested geography appear to be a soft target for extremists who are yearning for a greater space in the State and expand their base by forcing the people involved in the noble cause of teaching to work for them as well. The arrest of a para-teacher on July 16 from Tamar underscores the reality hitherto concealed from the authorities.
On July 16, Mansingh Munda, a para-teacher and resident of Arki, was arrested for collecting levy on behalf of the CPI-Maoists and also helping the rebel outfit in sustenance during transition from Tamar. The para-teacher was an important link between the extremist organisation and facilitated communication between the outfit and businessmen operating in the area.
Although such cases are too insignificant in number they dent a blow to the effort of the State Government to establish governance in dense forests besides, causing a serious damage to the efforts of building educational institutions in hostile areas.
“Although there have been no cases in my areas yet their being a soft target and hence forced solicitation for Naxal activities cannot be ruled out,” said a senior police official of Khunti.
Incidentally, Khunti has been the biggest example of threat to educational institutions due to anti-establishment activities and is carrying out operations to flush out the threat to institutions.
State police have come across cases which call for a serious contemplation to not only know the reasons of a para-teacher’s inclination towards extremist ideologies but also for correction in policies concerning a para-teacher. A case of compensation related to the death of a para-teacher on August 10, 2010 was turned down by Seraikela police who claimed that the said teacher was found to be involved in naxal activities. The teacher was a resident of Seraikela and was killed in Tamar.
The Para-Teacher’s Association although termed it a case of few bad apples projected the pathetic condition of the group for surrendering to Naxal ideology. According to an association of para-teachers, they have not been paid their salary since April 2014, from the month when the revised salary structure came into effect.
“I don’t know if someone has been compelled by circumstances to join but the fact is that we have not received salary from five months,” said State Convener of a Para-Teacher Association.