Armed Lalgarh adivasis descend on Kolkata

While the tribals have vowed not to let the police in during the Lok Sabha polls,they have,however,welcomed talks with political parties and the Election Commission.

“I want to vote… but without the presence of the police. Why do we need the police when we can protect ourselves?” said 30-year-old Shombhari Murmu. With a tangi (a traditional weapon similar to a long axe) in her hand,she was one of the tribals who walked down the streets of the city shouting slogans against the police.

Under the banner of the Lalgarh Sanhati Mancha and other similar organisations,tribals and intellectuals raised their voice against the deployment of police during the polls.

“We know polls are a democratic process. So why should police be there. Today our people have come with weapons to warn that if the CPM-backed government tries to use force,the history of revolt will repeat itself,” said Chatradhar Mahato,convener,Police Santrash Birodhi Public Committee (PSBPC).

Following the statement by the home secretary about the police entering Lalgarh ahead of elections,Mahato had announced that there would be armed mass resistance if the police trie to enter the tribal areas.

At Monday’s rally Mahato and other tribal leaders said they will provide security to anyone who wants to come to Lalgarh during the elections. They welcomed any discussion with the government or the political parties without the presence of the police.

“The chief minister keeps saying he is not being allowed inside Lalgarh. That is a lie. If he wanted he could have come,but without any police personnel. Mamata Banerjee had also come. I was asked by the chief electoral officer to come for discussion today. But because of the rally I could not attend it. If the commission gives us a written invitation to sit for talks we will do so in future,” Mahato added.

“Using elections as a pretext they will oppress us again. We will not allow even the central forces to visit Lalgarh as they also work under the guidance of the state government,” he alleged.