Surjagarh project would destroy villages, say Naxals

ETAPALLI (Gadchiroli): A section of top guerrilla leaders of Western regional committee of South Gadchiroli division, during a marathon meeting with the scribes at an undisclosed location on Chhattisgarh border last week, claimed that exploitation of irone ore in Surjagarh hills would bring irreparable adverse consequences on the adjoining villages. The Naxal leaders, whose media interaction also saw them appeal to Gadchiroli police’s C-60 commandos not to fight against fellow tribals, claimed that government’s compensation schemes would remain only on paper for Surjagarh project like they have at other places.
“If prime minister Narendra Modi-led government is promising Rs 15 lakh in each citizen’s account, then where is the need to lure the tribal with benefits from the projects on Surjagarh hills? Can government compensate the irretrievably damaged natural resources of the place,” asked a senior Naxalite leader of South Gadchiroli division. “The party (banned Communist party of India-Maoist) opposes the project,” said the senior cadre putting to rest the speculation regarding the Naxals’ stand on the mining and steel making project that has failed to take off so far. “State government’s ploy to set up police posts is part of the providing blanket security and meant to ensure that the natural resources of the region could be plundered by the corporate bodies. Gadchiroli is seeing a rising trend of setting up police posts and camps to ensure more capitalists projects are started here,” said the senior cadre.
The party has also strongly condemned the government’s decision to ban cow-slaughter as one that goes against tradition of eating beef among that has continued through generations. “Beef is the cheapest form of meat consumed by a economically weaker population and also formed means of livelihood for many who are now left without income,” said a senior leader talking to the media. The Naxals also sounded their opposition against tobacco and consumption of alcohol. These substances were destroying families along with the addicted member, said the rebel leader. “Party is against all sorts of contraband and tobacco products,” he said. The Naxal cadres also made a point to hit out at Modi-led central and Devendra Fadnavis-led state governments. “A sizable number of elected representatives of BJP are facing different criminal and corruption charges. What can be expected from such a legislative wing,” asked the senior cadre.