Author: Hemender Sharma
Publication: IBNLive.com
Date: February 19, 2008
URL: http://www.ibnlive.com/news/maoists-claim-to-serve-people-denounce-democracy/59309-3.html#>section
The Nayagarh attack in Orissa has shown that
the Naxals can take on the might of the Indian State.
Now, deep in the Naxal strongholds in the
forests of Chattisgarh, Comrade Sonu, who is the Number 2 leader in the Communist
Party of India (Maoist) Politburo has told CNN-IBN's Hemendra Sharma that
they will never accept democracy.
Ninety-eight years ago, on February 10, the
tribals of Chhattisgarh had risen against the British rule.
However, the Naxals have usurped history and
use what they call Bhoomkal Divas to inspire their cadres and local supporters
against the Indian state.
"In 1910, our people fought against the
British. We have gathered here to carry forward that struggle," said
a local tribal, Ram Sevak.
Unlike their ideological cousins in Nepal
and Bihar, there is no way the Maoists of Chhattisgarh will exchange the bullet
for the ballot.
Speaking exclusively to CNN-IBN, Comrade Sonu
gave a resounding NO to democracy.
On being asked if there is any demand within
the party to become a part of democracy, as was the case with the CPI (ML)
of Bihar, Sonu said there wasn't.
"This is not democracy. Parliamentary
form of governance, we do not accept as democracy," he stated.
"We are with the people. We will die
for the people, we will work for the people… we are the servants of the
people!" he said.
Now that the Maoists have taken over the forest
area, every year they reiterate their resolve to seek liberation from the
oppressor, which according to them is the state.
