Naxals foray into Betul, Harda-says minister

Bhopal, Oct 10 (UNI) Naxal activities have been witnessed in Betul and Harda districts of Madhya Pradesh with certain organisations instigating the tribals to indulge in illegal activities, Revenue Minister Kamal Patel said today.

''Tribals, who were lured with a promise to grant land pattas, were also being prompted to indulge in tree felling from forest'', Mr Patel told the Central Press Club's 'meet-the-press' programme here.

''As a result of these organisations provoking the tribals against the administration, a forest Ranger was tied up and beaten up whole night. Such acts along with illegal felling of trees indicated towards the entry of naxalites'', Mr Patel said, adding the administration was keeping strict vigil.

He clarified that leaders of Shramik Adivasi Sangathan were not externed from Harda district but they were served a notice in this regard.

A committee formed on the High Court directive had probed into various complaints made by the organisation, but nothing against the administration had come to the fore, he added.

''At present, Balaghat, Mandla and Dindori districts are naxalite affected. However, certain radical organisations were active in tribal-dominated Betul, Harda and other districts for a long time,'' Mr Patel added.

UNI