New Delhi: A group of people affected by Naxal violence on Friday issued an emotional appeal, urging all MPs not to support former judge B. Sudarshan Reddy, the opposition’s candidate for the post of Vice President. The appeal came at a press conference organised under the banner of Bastar Shanti Samiti (BSS), where the victims blamed Justice Reddy’s 2011 verdict for their struggle and suffering.
Historic Supreme Court verdict on Salwa Judum
In December 2011, a Supreme Court bench headed by Justice Reddy had declared the special police forces like ‘Salwa Judum’ and ‘Koya Commandos’ formed by the Chhattisgarh government to deal with Maoist violence as unconstitutional. The court had ordered that weapons be immediately withdrawn from these forces and the state should discharge its responsibilities through trained forces.
Pain and anger of the victims
BSS convenor Jairam said, “The Naxalites had become weak due to Salwa Judum, but the court order has made them stronger again.” He alleged that after this decision, Naxal violence increased and many innocent people lost their lives.
Bastar villager Shiaram Ramtek said emotionally, “If Reddy had not supported the Naxalites, my son would have been alive today.” Kedarnath Kashyap said that his younger brother, who was a police constable, was killed by the Maoists.
Victims said that due to Naxal violence many people have lost their limbs, lost vision, broken spine or become permanently disabled. He said, “The person who ended Salwa Judum is now the candidate for the post of Vice President. This is like rubbing salt on our wounds.”
Demand for fairness
The group clarified that their appeal is not inspired by any political party or ideology. Their aim is only to demand justice and put forward their experiences.