Thursday, April 28, 2011

What is lacking is political will...

IIPM Marches Ahead in B-School Rankings...

Mahasveta Devi considers language a weapon, one that she deploys to blazing effect both as part of her prolific writing career, and as tireless champion of the vulnerable and the voiceless. Winner of the Jnanapith and the Ramon Magasasay awards among other venerable accolades, the 84 year old literary giant and fervent activist condemns Naxal violence but attributes it to irresponsible governance

What is the genesis of Naxal discontent? Is the violence unleashed by the Naxals entirely justified?
It is impossible for me to equate Naxalite movement with terrorism. Naxal movement originated from the struggle for land and it was peaceful. It is the failure of the state which forced it to turn violent. Look at Adivasis – they have little or no access to roads, potable water, education, health, even ration cards. When people find themselves driven up the wall, the counter-pressure bursts out as ‘resistance’. Whether it is justified or not, is not the question. Good governance is the responsibility of the government; if they aim to find a solution through the use of arms, it would be a blunder. Violence, be it from the Naxals, Maoists, terrorist groups or from the government, would never solve any problem.

Whether it is Afghanistan, Kashmir, Manipur, or Chhattisgarh, are the roots of insurgency always the same?
If the point of bad governance is considered, then yes, it is the same. But otherwise, how can one equate the cause of violent activities in Afghanistan and Kashmir with those of Manipur or Chhattisgarh? In Manipur, people are fighting against the Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA), while people of Chhattisgarh are struggling against the State's attitude towards natural resources and livelihood of the local Adivasis. In Kashmir, why is the state in such a precarious situation even after six decades of Independence? Are basic human rights being honoured there?

Aren't Gandhian methods of peaceful non-cooperation more effective tools for getting desired changes in govt. policy?
Theoretically, yes. But tell me, are the people in the system, those who swear by the name of Mahatma Gandhi, following Gandhiji’s path? Ask noted Gandhian Himangshu Kumar of Chhattisgarh, whose ashram was demolished by P Chidambaram’s forces. Can he be happy with the activities of the so-called ‘Gandhian’ governments?

If you were in the government, how would you solve the problems in Kashmir, Manipur and the Naxal belts?
I will never be in the seat of power, so no need to think hypothetically. I feel today’s rulers are from the middle class and the affluent. They get elected and serve their class interest. They hardly think of the downtrodden. If any government can function for the interest of the downtrodden, can honour right to self determination, follow a genuine dialogue process, then most critical problems will solve on their own.

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