Tribals fighting for their resources: BD Sharma

A day after abducted Sukma District Collector Alex Paul Menon was released by the Maoists, BD Sharma, one of the government interlocutors said that the adivasis are fighting for their basic rights like land, water and resources.

 

While speaking in a press conference, BD Sharma said, "The localities don't want anything much than the seclusion from the so-called development which is hampering their lives."

 

After the abduction of Sukma District Collector Alex Paul Menon, the Maoists named Sharma as one of the mediators. Sharma along with G Hargopal, mediated the talk between the naxalites and government resulting in the release of Menon after 12 days of being held as hostage.

 

Citing the tussle between the government and the adivasis living in forests as the main reason, Sharma said that it is regrettable that nothing could be done on the 'Operation Green Hunt' part because as per the Chhattisgarh government no such operation exists. He added that the government should change its stand and attitude towards the problem and should tackle it with an open frame of mind.

 

He advised that if government really wants to do something for the tribals, then they should try to reduce the harassment against the tribals by the police officials and bureaucrats. "It should be ascertained that the tribals are protected and tortured." added Sharma.

 

He told that the tribals want that their land and resources to be used by them, for their purpose, rather than the government who is giving it for industrial purpose. In the end he added, "Until and unless their problems are solved, tribals will not be at peace."

 

Photo By:- Naveen Sharma