Tribal leader continues fast; criticises SC order

Jamshedpur, Apr 18 (UNI) Adivasi Adhikar Morcha (AAM) Chief Convenor Salkhan Murmu, who began fasting in support of Medha Patkar and Aamir Khan here since yesterday, today continued with his hunger strike despite the apex court's verdict on the vexed Narmada Dam issue.

Talking to mediapersons at the site of fasting, Mr Murmu said the Supreme Court's order to continue construction work of the Narmada Dam and rehabilitation of affected/displaced persons within three months was not the solution.

He said in Ocotber 2000, the SC also issued a similar order asking the concerned states (Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan) to prepare a master plan for rehabilitation of displaced people due to the construction of Narmada Dam but it was not carried out. ''How the rehabilitation of the affected people within three months could be done? Mr Murmu asked.

He accused both the BJP and the Congress of ''dilly-dallying'' stand on the Narmada issue and said the construction work should be started after formulation of concrete rehabilitation policy.

The tribal leader today wrote letters to President A P J Abdul Kalam, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the Chief Justice of Supreme Court drawing their attention towards the AAM's proposals to form National Rehabilitation Policy and Legislation.

He said, ''We are of the view that without a National Rehabilitation Policy and Law the Right to Life of poor, rural and adivasi people can't be guaranteed.'' Meanwhile, Mr Murmu decided to break his fast tomorrow afternoon.

CPI (M) leader Gurbox Singh was also present to extend his moral support.

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