Govt created 'war-like' situation in tackling Naxals: Arundhati

Kolkata: Demanding immediate withdrawal of 'Operation Greenhunt' against Naxalites, eminent writer Arundhati Roy on Wednesday accused the government of creating a "war-like situation" in the country in the name of tackling Maoists.

The poor and deprived tribals were being uprooted from their land as the government "is busy implementing the agreements reached with 100 multinational companies," alleged the acclaimed writer.

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"The tribals are losing their rights on land ... I strongly feel that the government has created a war-like atmosphere in the name of curbing Maoist activities," she said.

Expressing herself in favour of a congenial environment to sort out the problems through discussions, Roy said "things can be sorted out only through negotiations."

"The malady lies in under-development, long deprivation which have led to the present situation," she said and alleged the government had been trying to cover up its lapses.

Thugs, robbers and Naxals

A dangerous situation had developed at Dantewada due to the creation of 'Salwa Judum', which she termed the 'mass militia' by the government and said it was in fact pushing the people towards Maoists.

To persistent queries about her stand on killings by Maoists, the writer said "I am not in favour of killing or counter-killing. I am a representative of poor people but am against violence."

Asked if she would visit Naxal-hit Lalgarh in West Midnapore, she said "I can't say if I will visit Lalgarh."

Journalist Gautamn Lavalakha, theatre personality Bibhas Chakraborty and human rights activist Sujato Bhadra were present.