Kolkata: The Gandhi Peace Foundation has
urged government to reconsider the necessity of maintaining
the joint force in the Maoist-hit Jangal Mahal (forested
areas) of West Midnapore district for ushering in lasting
peace in the region.
Supported by Harijan Sevak Sangha, Sarvodaya Mandal and
Kasturba Peace Centre, a group of 20 cyclists, led by Gandhi
Peace Foundation, undertook a seven-day visit to Maoist-hit
areas of Binpur, Lalgarh, Sanpura, Lodhasuli, Pirakata, Janda
and Moupal before terminating at the base of the Gandhi statue
in the city's maidan area yesterday.
Its secretary Chandal Pal said the marchers covered 450
km area in the entire region, conducted public meetings and
talked to all levels of people to find out the real causes and
issues.
"We noticed fear, mistrust, lack of security and
signs of violence in the people we met and came to know how
they were exploited by vested interests for years and the lack
of initiative on part of the state government to develop the
areas,"he said.
The Gandhi Peace Foundation secretary said villagers
were apprehensive about the role of the combined security
force "and we feel that local people should be trusted in the
matter of constructive and peaceful development".
PTI
First Published: Saturday, March 20, 2010, 22:38