Unlike the guerrillas who dominate the jungles and engage in armed operations, CPI(Maoist) political spokesperson, Gour Chakrabarty, 60, moves freely through West Bengal’s villages, garnering support for his party. In an interview with B Vijay Murty in Lalgarh, Chakrabarty explains why more Lalgarhs should be created in the country.
What is happening in Lalgarh and why?
It’s a people’s uprising against the oppressive government. The ruling CPI(M) has wreaked havoc in rural areas. Those not supporting the party were been inhumanly treated.
Is violence the solution to any problem?
Ask anyone in the villages, who is the oppressor — the police or the Maoists. Over the years, the police in West Bengal has illegally arrested hundreds of innocent villagers declaring them Naxalites. After the Salboni landmine blast, police arrested innocents. Buddhadeb Bhattacharya has admitted it was a police error. But no policeman has ever been punished. There is no democracy in the system. The poor have now started retaliating.
It is alleged that Maoists are guiding and supporting the PCAPA in the war against the police
I am not the one to mince words. We have supported all people’s uprisings and revolution against capitalist and fascist forces. Whether in Nandigram, Singur or Kalinganagar, the Maoists have been there and will continue to support the oppressed.
Why the animosity towards the CPI(M) and clandestine friendship with the Trinamool Congress?
The CPI(M) government has not guaranteed the rights of the poor in the state. We shared the dais with Mamata Banerjee in Singur because she speaks for oppressed people.
Why the animosity towards the CPI(M) and clandestine friendship with the Trinamool Congress?
The CPI(M) government has not guaranteed the rights of the poor in the state. We shared the dais with Mamata Banerjee in Singur because she speaks for oppressed people.
Why don’t you agree for talks?
We are ready for talks if it is a respectable and unconditional one. Our interests should also be taken care off across the negotiating table.
Former Maoist and Palamu MP, Kameshwar Baitha is inviting Naxalites to shun violence and contest election
He has deviated from the path. He has fallen into the trap of political comforts and luxuries. We reject his appeal.