Sexual exploitation in Bastar relief camps: Jogi

Raipur, Dec 21 (UNI) Congress Working Committee(CWC) member and former chief minister Ajit Jogi today alleged sexual exploitation of tribal women in Bastar's relief camps, where more than 50,000 people have taken shelter after deserting their native villages following threat from the naxalites.

Addressing a press conference here, he said the National Commission for Women (NCW) has expressed concern over atrocities on tribals in these relief camps. ''The situation is more grave than the picture presented by the women's commission'', he added.

Mr Jogi said he had information that security personnel, special police officers (SPO)-- the local youth recruited to assist the security forces in anti-naxalite campaign-- and even some 'Salwa Judum' activists were involved in sexual exploitation of tribal women.

Holding the BJP government responsible for the present state of affiars in Bastar, the former chief minister clarified that he was not opposed to any people's movement against naxalite violence. Ever since Salwa Judum campaign began, the conflict has intensified resulting in the death of hundreds of tribals in Bastar.

Pointing out that he would meet Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Union home minister Shivraj Patil to apprise them about the situation in Bastar, Mr Jogi reiterated to change the present pattern of anti-naxalite campaign 'salwa judum'. ''We cannot approve any such campaign in which hundreds of innocent people are being killed'', he added.

When pointed out that hundreds of people had attended a pro-salwa judum rally in Dantewada, the Congress leader said there has been more demonstrations opposing the 'Salwa Judum'.

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