NEWS

Chhattisgarh: NHRC raps Naxalites

Source:PTI
October 06, 2008 14:23 IST

Naxalites in Chhattisgarh are interfering in the day-to-day life of tribals,  forcing them to support the movement, indulge in human trafficking and enroll minors in their organisation, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has said.

The Commission said the right to life of tribals is being "practically enjoyed" only at the mercy of Naxalites and anyone who tries to raise a voice against their "tyrannical" ways were "killed or maimed".

"The Naxalites interfere in the day-to-day life of the tribals - in family matters, education, marriages, religious beliefs etc. They force tribals to give one boy or girl from each family to become 'sangham' member," it said.

These are among the findings of a three-member NHRC inquiry committee which investigated a complaint against Salwa Judum, an anti-Naxal programme in Chhattisgarh.

It said Naxals were "indulging" in human trafficking and forced labour by compelling villagers to the coronary arteries. When the vessels that

supply the heart with oxygenated blood become narrow, the area of the heart that is not receiving the proper blood flow responds with a very painful signal called Angina Pectoris," Dr Punjabi said.

The EECP machine is like a compressor tied to legs, thighs and lower pelvis. They are a series of blood pressure cuffs that are connected to an inflation device co-ordinated by a computer that monitors the patients heart beat, he added.

"Since the enquiry team came across one case in which a villager was prima facie killed by Salwa Judum activists and no FIR has been registered, similar such other instances cannot be ruled out," the NHRC said.

It said Naxalites were not allowing development activity in their strongholds fearing that the police would then be able to gain access to the areas currently controlled by the extremists.

"Any contractor who dares to take up a contract for civil work is eliminated in no time...the tribals can neither take part in any development project in their own areas nor can they take the benefit of any of the employment schemes being run by the government," the report said.

The NHRC also rapped the naxals for denying tribals access to modern health care, electrification and even participation in Panchayati Raj Institutions and the process of elections.

"It was informed that electric poles were not allowed to be installed and if installed, they were broken," it said.

The report noted that there were hardly any employment avenues left for the youth.

"Private industries are not willing to come in this area (Bastar) because of the naxal threat. Those which have come are already facing the brunt of the problem," it said. 

Source: PTI
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