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Mainstream, VOL XLIX, No 48, November 19, 2011

Statement on Peaceful Dialogue in Junglemahal

Monday 21 November 2011

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We, the concerned citizens, feel deeply disturbed by the continued acrimony, tension and violence in the Junglemahal area of West Bengal. After the change of government in the State it was hoped that a dialogue between the new government and the Maoists in the Junglemahal would commence which would address the real problems affecting the people of the area and lead to their solution. This would set an example for dealing with the situation prevailing in the Left-wing extremist affected areas all over the country. In the beginning some welcome initiatives were taken to ameliorate the conditions of the people in that area, thereby buttressing such a hope. However, subsequent developments have caused serious concern.

We appeal both to the Maoists in the Junglemahal area and to the Government of West Bengal to strictly abjure violence, intimidation and coercion in order to create an ambience of peaceful dialogue. We also urge both the sides not to insist on any conditionality for engaging in the dialogue, which should be open and free. In course of the dialogue, either side should have the option to raise any point it thinks necessary for bringing about conditions of peace. We are making this appeal in the interest of the well-being of the tribals, the Dalits and the poor in the Junglemahal and in the belief that both sides are deeply committed to the well-being of these people

Signatories:

Justice P.B. Sawant; Kuldip Nayar; Muchkund Dubey; Manoranjan Mohanty; K.B. Saxena; Nandini Sundar; Arun Kumar; Sumit Chakravartty; Suhas Borker

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