CPM plans to reach out to Orissa tribals

The recent incident at Kalinganagar industrial complex in Orissa in which 10 tribals were killed in police firing has apparently provided an impetus to the CPI(M)'s efforts to make inroads into tribal belts, as the party has now decided to make it presence felt in the state in no uncertain manner.

Back from his visit to Orissa today, CPI(M) Politburo member Sitaram Yechury told reporters that the party would launch a week-long protest programme including sit-ins and demonstrations in the state to demand adequate compensation and rehabilitation of tribals whose land had been acquired for a steel company.

The government should ensure that there was no encroachment of tribal land and it should set norms for acquisition of land for industrialisation, he said re-emphasising the need to pass the Tribal Bill as soon as possible. The date of the CPI(M)'s agitation programme has not been set yet, although it is likely to start from January 12.

"In case of the Kalinganagar incident, tribal land was acquired at a rate of Rs 35,000 per hectare, whereas the market value is over Rs 25 lakh per hectare. On what basis was the acquisition rate of tribal land set?" said Yechury.

The party re-iterated its demand that minerals from Orissa be not allowed to be exported and in this context, there should be a review of the deal with South Korean steel major Posco. The CPI (M) demanded a full-scale review of the policies of allotting industrial projects and mining contracts involving the use of traditional tribal land.

The party had earlier accused the BJD-BJP government of establishing a "bloody" record of killing tribals through police firings wherever they put up resistance when being deprived of their land, Yechury said.

"The state government is adopting a policy of repression against tribals to enable mining companies and industries to operate in forest areas," said a statement released by the central committee of the CPI (M).