The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Lalgarh crisis

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Saturday, Jun 20, 2009
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Lalgarh crisis

This refers to the editorial “Help resolve Lalgarh crisis” (June 19). Eleven companies of paramilitary forces have been at the disposal of the West Bengal government for several weeks. On June 15, 2009, the State government asked for 5 companies of CRPF and immediately, they were rushed on June 16. Besides, 6 companies of BSF and 4 teams of CoBra were kept ready and, on June 18, they were also rushed to Midnapore and Kharagpur and are ready to be deployed. It is widely acknowledged that it was only after the MHA prodded the West Bengal government that it committed its own security forces (EFR, SAP, etc.) to deal with the situation.

The Chief Minister of West Bengal has spoken to the Home Minister several times in the last 5 days and has, on each occasion, profusely thanked the Central government for promptly responding to the requests of the State government and providing adequate forces. The Home Minister has also kept in touch with the Governor. Senior officers of the Ministry of Home Affairs are in regular touch with the Chief Secretary, the Additional Chief Secretary, the Home Secretary and the DGP of West Bengal.

Ashok Lavasa,

Joint Secretary (Police-II), Union Ministry of Home Affairs We are profoundly disturbed by the Central and State armed police operation in Lalgarh-Jangalmahal in West Bengal. This was launched without exploring a negotiated settlement of genuine popular grievances and by blurring the crucial distinction between violent Maoists and peace-minded civilians. The operation is taking an unacceptable toll of civilian life and safety in an extremely backward area. We deplore the reckless, self-serving violence of the Maoists, who have exploited West Bengal’s post-election chaos by using deprived and angry tribals as pawns and by brutally attacking CPI (M) cadres and offices. Some self-proclaimed leaders have appeared, claiming to represent the People’s Committee against Police Atrocities, who openly preach violence and murder. Their actions can only invite more state repression. Deplorably, the media have equated the Maoists with the PCPA, which has conducted a democratic and peaceful struggle among tribals for dignity and security, and against state excesses. Preventing a bloodbath remains the greatest imperative today.

Sumit Sarkar, Achin Vanaik, Tanika Sarkar, Sumit Chakravartty & Praful Bidwai

New Delhi

Ever since the UPA government, of which the Trinamool Congress is a major constituent, assumed power at the Centre, Mamata Banerjee has been pursuing her one-point agenda — dismissal of the Left Front government in West Bengal. The Maoist violence in Lalgarh has come in handy for her. That the Centre delayed rushing help to the State government is unfortunate. Any delay in restoring normality in Lalgarh is fraught with danger. It will lead to naxal violence spreading to other States too.

Ramya Ravindran,

Cuddalore

Exploiting the CPI(M)’s electoral reverses in the Lok Sabha election, the Maoist outlaws, with the backing of the Trinamool Congress, have been emboldened to challenge the authority of the West Bengal government. Not long ago, Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram unveiled a 100-day plan to tackle the naxals. But in the Lalgarh episode, he was hesitant to come to the rescue of the State government saying law and order is a State subject. The Centre should not have abdicated its responsibility thus.

N. Sekar,

Salem

The editorial is a frank and forthright assessment of the crisis created by extremist elements in Lalgarh. The Centre’s failure to come to the rescue of the West Bengal government at the crucial hour has been correctly highlighted.

R. Narasimhan,

Chennai The politics over Lalgarh reminds me of the Turkish proverb “You cannot put out fire with flames.” One hopes our leaders will refrain from taking political mileage out of the unrest.

M.M. Pillai,

Ernakulam

It is unfortunate that the Congress and the Trinamool are looking at the situation in Lalgarh as an opportunity, rather than as a problem. The Maoists are acting against a democratically elected government. The opposition in West Bengal would do well to shed its myopic approach and join hands with the government to fight the Maoist outlaws.

C.K. Rahul,

Hyderabad

Regaining government control over Lalgarh is important. A clear message needs to be sent out to the Maoists that they cannot take over territory in any State and declare it a ‘liberated zone.’ The rule of law should be re-established to uphold the supremacy of the Constitution. Although maintaining law and order is a State subject, the Maoist menace — in West Bengal, Orissa, Jharkhand, Bihar or Chhattisgarh — is not comparable to common law and order problems. Fighting the Maoists is no less than fighting a war. After all, the Maoists are waging a war against the Union of India, not just the States.

J. Akshobhya,

Mysore

The West Bengal opposition’s act of seeking short-term benefits by exploiting the lawlessness in Lalgarh is not only unethical but also criminal. The Maoists are active in several States. The Centre and the State government should take stern action to stamp out the violent activities of the Maoists.

T.R. Anandan,

Coimbatore

For the breakdown of law and order in Lalgarh, the West Bengal government is as much to blame as the Trinamool Congress and the UPA government at the Centre are. Ms Banerjee’s agenda of pulling down the Left Front government in the State is unfortunate. At stake are democracy and the lives of innocent people.

M. Somasekhar Prasad,

Badvel

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