Don’t Glorify Naxalism

The recent article of Arundhati Roy in a news magazine on her trip to Naxal stronghold in Chhattisgarh is full of government and judiciary bashing and full of praise for the Maoists. She has every right to criticize the government policies which led to the ever increasing reach of Naxalism. What is most baffling is that she has not devoted a single line in condemning the killings of policemen and civilians. A massacre in which about 100 policemen were killed by the Maoists has full details of the events and planning of the massacre but she finds no wrongs in this heinous act of the Maoists.
Jan adalats have been also praised and every move of the government, media, and judiciary has been lambasted. This is nothing but a complete glorification of the violence unleashed by the Maoists with innocent tribals merely being used as a shield. There is no denying the fact that naxalism is mainly a government created monster on account of the continuous neglect of the particular region. Now that the Maoists have taken control and have free access of cash and guns they will continue to make this problem continue to linger.
If the brutal force of State is to be condemned then we must also condemn the violence and mindless killings executed by the Maoists. Unfortunately in India all the so called intellectuals love to express views which can be by swimming against the tide. It would be better if Arundhati Rou permanently shifts from Delhi to Dantewada jungles.

Save the RTI

RTI has proved to be a big success in the direction of bringing accountability and transparency in the functioning of bureaucracy. It is a powerful tool for a common man to ascertain the truth. In a country where there are diverse contradictory forces trying to negate any good cause, RTI is also facing the problem of misuse in a small percentage. The remedy not lies in curtailing the scope of RTI and making it a mere showpiece. If we can evolve a sound mechanism where every query is screened for its consideration,more decentralization of the functioning of RTI and involving the trusted and acclaimed NGOs in making them as linl between the people and the RTI most of the loopholes could be solved.
The powerful bureaucratic lobby which is feeling the pinch of accountability which was unchallenged so far is putting unwarranted pressure to dilute the RTI. The move to amend must be resisted. Unfortunately the opposition parties are also not serious in saving this great legislation