Gadchiroli April 2 (District Correspondent) ‘Naxalism is not merely a law-and-order issue, but a problem stemming from social and economic injustice. Therefore, this issue cannot be permanently resolved through the use of bullet alone; rather, it can only be eradicated by securing for the tribal people their rightful claims over their water, forests, and land’.
This was stated by Dr. Namdeo Kirsan, the Member of Parliament for the Gadchiroli–Chimur Lok Sabha constituency, while participating in a discussion on ‘Naxalism’ under Rule 193 in the Lok Sabha, drawing the Central Government’s attention to the pressing issues faced by the tribal communities in his constituency.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Kirsan stated that in the conflict between Naxalites and the police, it is invariably the ordinary tribal citizen who gets caught in the crossfire. He noted that innocent tribal individuals are frequently arrested on mere suspicion and are compelled to languish in prison for years. He demanded that the practice of using tribal people as ‘soft targets’ must cease immediately.
He expressed deep concern regarding the severe environmental and social repercussions resulting from the large-scale iron ore mining operations currently underway in the Gadchiroli district. It’s a matter of grave concern that these mining activities are contaminating water sources and leading to the displacement of tribal communities from their ancestral lands.
Dr. Kirsan also expressed his displeasure over the discontinuation of temporary employment opportunities—specifically as ‘Special Police Officers’ (SPOs)—that had been provided to women from the families of individuals killed in Naxalite attacks. He urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to absorb these women into permanent government service.
He recalled that a ‘Truck Scheme’ for tribal youth was announced earlier, but despite 80 tribal youths depositing a sum of Rs. 50,000, each, they received neither the promised trucks nor a refund of their money. A thorough inquiry into this matter be conducted and punitive action to be taken against those found responsible, he demanded.
Dr. Kirsan also raised his voice regarding the harassment faced by tribal communities—who have been engaged in farming for generations—at the hands of the Forest Department and are being evicted from their rightful lands.
Citing Gadchiroli as a Naxal-sensitive and ‘Aspirational District,’ Dr. Kirsan demanded that the Central Government approve a direct special package of Rs. 10,000 crores for the development of infrastructure, roads, education, and healthcare sectors in the region.
