Maoists oppose mega projects, favour small units

Abujhmarh, Chhattisgarh, Apr 11 (UNI) Communist Party of India (Maoist), strongly opposed to setting up of mega projects, favoured small industrial units which will not pose any threat to resources in tribal Bastar region, a top Naxal leader said.

Speaking at the first ever formal 'press meet' in the history of Naxalite movement in Bastar region, CPI(Maoist) Central Committee member Kosa said the present development model of encouraging mega industrial units would only help siphon off the vast natural resources of the region as its benefits would not percolate down to the locals.

''It's not development. It is an express highway to speed up exploitation'', said Kosa, who is also the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee Secretary.

The Maoists had convened the 'press meet' at their hideout in the Daula forest close to remote Abujhmarh region, to explain their stand yesterday on various current issues, including the circumstances that led to the recent spurt in violence in the region.

Claiming that the mining operations of the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) in Bailadila had only resulted in the rich iron ore from the region being exported to Japan for the last many years, he said '' What they have left for the local people are just air and water pollution''.

Pointing out that the naxalites would also oppose any move to set up all other mega units in the private sector, Kosa said the people of Bastar have realised that these projects were not in their long-term interests.

Kosa said they would oppose any industrial group which had direct or indirect link with multi-nationals. These major companies, which use modern technology, would not be in a position to give employment to locals while the domestic small units would be able to generate more employment opportunities as they required more manpower, he argued.

Asked whether this would not amount to keeping the tribals away from modern development, the Naxal leader said it was an issue directly related to perceptions on development.

''Even within the state, there are major industrial townships. Is everyone in that area getting jobs, food and shelter?'', he asked adding, ''At least we are in a position to claim that there are no starvation deaths in Dandakaranya region''.

Kosa said the poor living in the remote villages and forests of Bastar region require basic amenities like drinking water, health and education facilities and land for cultivation.

''There are several hundred schools and health centres in the villages where teachers and doctors do not report for duty but collect their salaries even without visiting their place of posting,'' the Maoist leader said.

Stating that shortage of drinking water was a matter of major concern to the locals he added malaria and diarrhoea were posing major health problem in the region.

''If the government wants development, it should first address these issues'', he said and promised to extend all possible help to teachers and health workers.

UNI