Questioning the suggestion that Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee mediate between government and Naxals, CPI(M) today raised doubts over her capacity given that she is openly siding with the ultra-Left brigade.
Addressing a Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) convention on Naxal violence, Sitaram Yechry said, “Mamata is in collaboration with Naxals...How can she mediate when she is on their side? The question of Mamata mediating does not arise as they are together. Naxals always supported the ruling class against the organised Left.”
Yechury also took on Banerjee for her remarks that she can talk to Naxals saying that the CPI(M) leader himself had spoken to Maoists in Nepal a few years back.
“The issue is different. I spoke to them after they came to the mainstream... After shunning violence and participated in the democratic process. We will talk to Indian Maoists when they stop violence," he said.
He also accused the ultra lft of targeting the same section of economically deprived sections for whom they claim to fight for. Suggesting a three-pronged strategy to tackle the problem, he said, “It should be treated as a law and order issue as well at political front. The government should also address the problem of exploitation of the most exploited sections of the society-- like the tribals.”
“They function in areas which have abundant mineral resources. Illegal mining is being carried out by others. This is depriving tribals of their resources. This has also to be changed," he said.