The first mega event of “Vikas Sangharsh Samiti,” an anti-Maoist group formed by the leaders of erstwhile anti-Maoist militia Salwa Judum, has been postponed due to “Naxal threats” and “indifference” from the Congress.
“We have received inputs that the Maoists are threatening people against participating in our anti-Maoist movement. We can’t afford to put the villagers at risk. So we have decided to postpone the first mega event that was slated to take place in Faraspal village of Dantewada on the second death anniversary of my father,” Salwa Judum founder Mahendra Karma’s son and the convener of Vikas Sangharsh Samiti, Chhavindra Karma told The Hindu .
However, preparations are being made for a big event at Faraspal on Monday and all the Judum leaders from different parts of Bastar will be present during the event, said a leader involved in the preparations. “People will gather in Faraspal on May 25 in the remembrance of my father on his death anniversary. He was a popular leader in Bastar with a large mass following. But the event has nothing to do with our Samiti,” added Mr. Karma.
Sources in Chhattisgarh Congress said Mr. Karma was called to Raipur two days ago by senior State Congress leaders who expressed their “apprehension” over his initiative. State Congress president Bhupesh Baghel, senior leader T.S. Singh Deo and Ajit Jogi have announced that the party will not support Mr. Karma’s initiative.
The announcement earlier this month of the formation of the Samiti, being perceived as the second edition of Salwa Judum, prompted criticism from rights groups, political parties and activists. The Maoists threatened a “violent backlash” and appealed to the people to oppose it.
