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Journalism of Courage
From the grandiosely self-titled Independent Peoples Tribunal held in New Delhi,one might have come away curiously and disturbingly enlightened: that Operation Green Hunt is reminiscent of the McCarthy-era anti-communist witch hunts,or even the Vietnam War. Wheres the napalm,one might ask. Its a war on the environment; a colonial persecution of marginalised peoples. The consumerist middle class is now a grave threat to national security. While the gamut of activist dislike for the state may appear to turn all logic on its head,its necessary to engage with this discourse to show where,and how,it misreads and misrepresents.
That Indias tribal communities are a national asset,uniquely enriching our human biodiversity,was never contested. Thats why their welfare must be disengaged from the Maoists and those same old activists allegedly crusading in their behalf. The latter,who claim to represent the marginalised,indulge in their own marginalisation in omitting reference to Maoist violence or merely paying it lip service. They collate the facts that the red corridor overlaps not just some of the least developed districts but also some of the richest in natural and mineral wealth in arguing that Maoists are Robin Hoods providing the abject what the state doesnt. Unsurprisingly,Maoists grew in influence where the state was the least visible. But Maoist activity has been a tale of obstructing the rule of law and development,destroying infrastructure,arson,extortion,kidnappings and executions,culminating in last weeks massacre of 76 security personnel.
