Kishenji's elimination will not solve Maoist problem: CPI-M

Kolkata, Nov 27: The CPI(M) today said elimination of Kishenji would not solve the Maoist problem in Jangalmahal and peace could be restored there by tackling the law and order problem, helping economic development and engaging the ultras politically.

''Elimination of a single individual will not solve the problem,'' CPI(M) Politburo member Sitaram Yechuri told newsmen when asked if elimination of Kishenji would end the Maoist problem in Jangalmahal.

He said, ''In order to bring an end to the problem, three issues need to be tackled. There is the issue of law and order. All violence has to be stopped.

And the government must engage Maoists politically and remove people's economic backwardness.'' He stressed that economic backwardness provided a 'thriving ground' for Maoist activities.

''Unless these three things are combined, the (Maoist) problem cannot be solved,'' Yechuri said. Soon after Kishenji's death on Thursday, CPI(M) Central Committee member and Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal Assembly Surjya Kanta Mishra had said there was no reason to think that the Maoists would lose their punch with his death.

"Kishenji as an individual does not matter, because (the Maoists) are supported by anti-national, reactionary forces,'' Mishra had said.

PTI