The 'alleged' Naxal attacks in Dantewada, in which 76 CRPF jawans were killed has become a hot topic for the columnist fraternity.

Naxals v/s IPL

The 'alleged' Naxal attacks in Dantewada, in which 76 CRPF jawans were killed has become a hot topic for the columnist fraternity. I am no great expert on the issue, but I still wanted to write on the issue and the words used in my copy should be read as bold, in italics and underlined with a font size of 72 because, I still believe that unless proven, the attacks should be called 'alleged' attacks. But, I don't think the matter has been looked at, from different perspectives. There was a report on how the CRPF high command was the reason for the loss of lives. Apparently, there were several technical loopholes and the first was the space where all the military officials slept when the attack took place.u00a0

The killings of 76 policemen appeared in newspapers and even occupied precious airtime on television. However, after a day or two the issue was forgotten and not many channels or newspapers tried investigating deeper into the issue. Interestingly, the IPL controversy is still hogging space on front pages of newspapers and 90 per cent of air time.

There is no denial that IPL is interesting, but isn't the Naxal issue, which is more serious, need more discussion, in-depth investigation. What is the reason the tribals still support the Naxals? Why has there been no development in these areas for decades? Why are the villagers scared of Salwa Judum ufffd the state-sponsored militia? Why is no action taken against the tainted officers?

It appears to be that such news does not help in rake the TRPs needed by the channels. In a meeting, a senior leader from a right wing party expressed his concern stating that nearly a decade ago the Naxal movement was not that wide-spread, but today it has engulfed more than 200 districts and nearly 11 states. There are certain talukas in the country where the Naxals run a parallel government. Basic schemes like NREGA or even education and health facilities do not reach the tribals.

Announcing Operation Green hunt is easy, announcing air attacks is easier and the easiest is talking, having discussions and writing about it in a air-conditioned room, but understanding the issue is tough and hence no one wants to do it, neither the government, nor the media.

Lalgarh has been under Naxals rule for one decade but for the last 50 years it was with the government, but there are no facilities. Isn't this worth discussing?

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