CPI urges stoppage of 'Salwa Judum'

Raipur, July 30 (UNI) CPI General Secretary A B Bardhan today urged the Chhattisgarh government to halt 'Salwa Judum' -- the ongoing anti-naxal movement in Bastar -- and initiate parleys with Maoists.

Talking to reporters here, he said his party also raised the demand at the UPA coordination committee as several tribals were slain in Bastar since the movement began in June last year.

''Such a movement is not a solution to the rebel problem,'' he said and wondered why the Centre could not conduct talks with naxals when it could enter into a dialogue with extremist organisations of the Northeast.

When his attention was drawn to a reported ultra demand that Chief Minister Raman Singh must face a 'people's court' prior to any such dialogue, the CPI leader said there was no justification in such demands.

The CPI veteran described as ''irresponsible'' the statement of BJP President Rajnath Singh that those opposing 'Salwa Judum' were indirectly supporting the insurgents. ''It's the language of US President George W Bush. Those who are not supporting the US are its enemies,'' he alleged.

Pointing out that the CPI did not favour the means being adopted by naxals, Mr Bardhan said naxalism was a socio-economic challenge and counter-violence was no solution.

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