CPI rakes up Bastar's Tata acquisition issue

Raipur, Mar 6 (UNI) Communist Party of India National Executive Member Chittaranjan Bakshi today alleged that tension was prevailing in Bastar as the district administration was attempting to acquire fertile tribal land for the Tata group's nearly Rs 10,000-crore proposed steel plant to be spread over 4,500 acres.

''Instead of briefing ten villages' residents on the action taken over their 13-point charter of demands submitted about six months back, the tribals were beaten up by the police,'' he told some journalists here.

Pointing out that there was nothing wrong if the affected people demanded adequate compensation, employment and housing, Comrade Bakshi added that the CPI was certainly not opposing the plant.

''Chief Minister Raman Singh cannot dodge answerability for the atrocities being meted out to tribals. He should remove the District Collector and order an inquiry into sexual harassment cases,'' he felt.

Alleging that Nelson's eye was being turned on the laws pertaining to acquisition of land in notified areas, Mr Bakshi added that the people who raised their voices against such acquisition were being jailed.

''Adivasi Mahasabha President and former MLA Manish Kunjam was arrested for violating prohibitory orders and hurdles are being created in the bail process. We are contemplating over taking the matter to court,'' he said.

UNI