By IANS,
New Delhi : Condemning the killing of four central paramilitary troopers in a landmine blast in Chhattisgarh, the government Monday asked civil rights groups not to ignore acts of violence by the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist).
The slain troopers of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), who were killed Sunday, were part of the security cover of the National Minerals Development Corporation (NMDC) in Bacheli village of Dantewada in Chhattisgarh.
“The government of India strongly condemns this unprovoked and heinous attack by the CPI-Maoist on a public sector security force that was on a routine patrol in an area falling under the jurisdiction of a public sector corporation,” a home ministry statement said.
“The NMDC is engaged in development of minerals, gives employment to thousands of persons, promotes economic activity; and undertakes many welfare activities in the area as part of its corporate social responsibility,” the ministry statement said.
“What is the motive behind the attack on a police force that provides security? What is the message that the CPI-Maoist intends to convey? These are questions that the government would like to put not only to the CPI-Maoist but also to those who speak on their behalf and chastise the government,” it said.
It is time, the statement added, “for all right-thinking citizens who believe in democracy and development to condemn the acts of violence perpetrated by the CPI-Maoist”.
Some civil rights groups have been urging the government to halt anti-Maoist operations and initiate dialogue with the leftwing rebels.
Rights activists have condemned the use of force against Maoist rebels even as the government is set to launch its biggest coordinated offensive against Maoist guerrillas, codenamed Operation Green Hunt.
Some 75,000 federal paramilitary forces along with personnel drawn from the state police are expected to carry out the offensive against the rebels, likely to be launched in November, say home ministry officials.
Six districts in the worst hit states of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Orissa and Maharashtra will be the focus initially.
The operation has already attracted criticism from rights groups, who say that the use of “military” power will further alienate the people in these areas. The rebels allege that common people are being exploited and deprived of natural resources.