just as  kashmiris some times say, they have a voice independent of what their so called supporters across the borders claim, similarly tribals in bastar also have a voice, which we heard and which is not necessarily Maoists voice. Police is doing a great damage by muting this voice, by arresting innocent tribals and by suspecting every youth as a naxalite ally. I am sure some among naxalites might also be wishing a fairer demoractic society, but not many do. It is a paradox the corrupt contractors and bribe paying corporations are not getting affected at all at their hands, why? We must let tribal leadership emerge and be heard, we should label every vocifereous rebel among them as naxalite. that will prevent local leadership to emerge. what choice will young tribal have then, sympathise with Naxalites ! we should initiate a dialogue among moderate naxalites and the state with local tribals being given an important say in the setting up of agenda. Naxalites ( the top leaders) do /may not always speak for tribal rights just as state seldom cares for their rights. But excellent performance of mitanin scheme in bastar shows that if there is a will, some thing good can be done even under present oppressive environment. Naxalites have built a water harvesting pond and a few other common facilities. But too few to make a difference. why not take a large scale popular participative water harvesting and other educational campaigns. Prem ji bhai will be going there to share his insights from saurashtra with tribals, and hope that police will tolerate him and naxalites will welcome him.

Anil K Gupta