Peace march planned in Naxal-affected Gadchiroli district

Nagpur, Mar 9 (UNI) A 26-day ''Shanti Yatra (peace march)'', to cover a total distance of 325 kilometres, has been planned in the Naxal-affected Gadchiroli district here from March 21 to April 15.

Journalists, social activists, politicians and prominent citizens will particpate in the march, its convenor Suresh Dwadashiwar told a press conference here.

Mr Dwadashiwar, a noted writer and editor-in-chief of the Lokmat group of newspapers, said the march is being organised to condemn the increasing violence by Naxalites and lend support to the terror-striken tribals from the district.

The ''Yatra'' will start from Asaralli in south Gadchiroli and will be joined by around 200 people, including journalists, social activists, politicians and prominent people from across the State.

Mr Dwadashiwar said the marchers will traverse a distance of 325 kilometres, through remote forests, and visit the tribal families whose kin have been killed by Naxals and police encounters.

Replying to a question, he said the marchers will not carry any political or social banners. But, the national tricolour and Mahatma Gandhi's portrait will be prominently displayed throughout the march.

''We have not asked police to provide security during the march and will refuse the security if police provide it,'' he said.

The tribals need moral support to make them feel that somebody is with them when Naxalites are killing innocent tribals. Police have also failed to provide security to the tribals, he added.

UNI NNG MAZ SY ND1448