Chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday broke her silence on
Kishanji's death and said the Maoist were given three days to surrender
but they fired 1,000 rounds instead.
KOLKATA: Chief minister Mamata Banerjee
on Sunday broke her silence on Kishanji's death and said the Maoist
were given three days to surrender but they fired 1,000 rounds instead.
Lives of innocent villagers were in danger that forced CRPF jawans to
retaliate.
"Initially I was informed that they (the rebels) had gathered to chalk out a plan to kill me, my leaders and carry out a major subversive act," Mamata said at an election rally in south Kolkata's Behala, adding, "Would people have forgiven me if we let the rebels get away in spite of knowing they were planning a major attack? What if they had attacked the Kolkata Metro?"
She was addressing a campaign rally for the November 30 bypoll in Kolkata South, a seat she vacated after her election to the West Bengal assembly. Trinamool Congress state party president Subrata Bakshi is contesting the bypoll.
Mamata slammed rights activists who alleged Kishanji was killed in a fake encounter. "Ekta praner eto kanna (so many tears shed for one life)," she said.
Mamata asked why the rights activists were silent when innocent people and policemen were killed by the Maoists. "Do not teach me human rights. I have fought for the rights of people all my life, from Bhikari Paswan to Tapasi Mallick. Where were you when I was fighting for justice?" she said.
Mamata said murder comes easily to Maoists. "But the ones that pull the trigger are not the only murderers. The people who conspire are equally guilty," she said, adding, "If any subversive act occurred even after this, people wouldn't have forgiven me. If you do not vote for me because of this, don't. But I ask you, what should I do? Shall I keep silent and watch them unleash terror? Do poor people like Jitu Singh Sardar or Rajen Singh's elderly father and brother look like class enemies?"
She said her detractors could criticise her politically. "Call me a thief or robber. But do not kill people. Do not play with blood," Mamata said.
She said there was still a chance for peace. "Any death is painful. I am still hopeful of peace. I want all my brothers and sisters to return to the mainstream. The government will take care of them," she said.
She said the state government is transparent about the encounter. "The police told me that the rebels fired even after the forces announced on loudspeakers that they would get all help, including medical, if they surrendered. They responded by firing nearly 1,000 rounds. There were innocent villagers around. It would have killed nearly 500 villagers. How can I remain silent after this?" she said.
Mamata told the crowd that there were "at least three to four people in Behala who are friends of Naxals". She told people to keep an eye on their activities. She said her initiatives for Jangalmahal's development will continue.
BOX
Maoists warn of fierce retaliation
Jhargram: Maoist state committee member Bikash is likely to lead the PLGA in Bengal while state committee secretary Akash will handle the political affairs, said Maoist sources. Bikash is a protege of Kishanji, the slain Maoist politburo member.
Bikash alias Mansaram Hembram has the experience to lead the PLGA. Since he is a tribal, the Maoists can put him on the front row to stem their eroding support base among tribals.
Akash is equally adept in combat but he may have to confine himself to political activities. Arnab Dam alias Bikram, active in Purulia and Bengal-Jharkhand border, will be next in political planning after Akash. A tough guerrilla leader, Tarit alias Ranjit Pal, who has operated in border areas, is likely to be Bikash's lieutenant, said sources.
Reeling from Kishanji's death, Maoist leaders believe a fierce retaliation is the only way to hold fort in Jangalmahal. The security forces, too, are bracing for a counterattack.
On Sunday, Maoist spokesperson Abhay announced a 'countrywide protest week' from November 29 and a 'Bharat Bandh' on December 4-5. He hinted there is no possibility of any further talks, which indicates the Maoist leadership is looking for retaliation.
Early Sunday morning, Maoist posters were found in Jhargram and Goaltore, warning Trinamool-backed vigilante groups.
Maoists are banking on people arrested before the Lalgarh movement and are currently out on bail. "In jail, our senior leaders made them more politically conscious. Now, they are mature enough to handle important affairs," said a Maoist leader. A spectacular attack was important to boost their cadres' morale, he said.
Other insurgent groups announced their solidarity with the Maoists. Ulfa (anti-talks faction) chairman Abhijit Burman condemned Kishanji's killing and renewed Ulfa's bond with the Maoists
"Initially I was informed that they (the rebels) had gathered to chalk out a plan to kill me, my leaders and carry out a major subversive act," Mamata said at an election rally in south Kolkata's Behala, adding, "Would people have forgiven me if we let the rebels get away in spite of knowing they were planning a major attack? What if they had attacked the Kolkata Metro?"
She was addressing a campaign rally for the November 30 bypoll in Kolkata South, a seat she vacated after her election to the West Bengal assembly. Trinamool Congress state party president Subrata Bakshi is contesting the bypoll.
Mamata slammed rights activists who alleged Kishanji was killed in a fake encounter. "Ekta praner eto kanna (so many tears shed for one life)," she said.
Mamata asked why the rights activists were silent when innocent people and policemen were killed by the Maoists. "Do not teach me human rights. I have fought for the rights of people all my life, from Bhikari Paswan to Tapasi Mallick. Where were you when I was fighting for justice?" she said.
Mamata said murder comes easily to Maoists. "But the ones that pull the trigger are not the only murderers. The people who conspire are equally guilty," she said, adding, "If any subversive act occurred even after this, people wouldn't have forgiven me. If you do not vote for me because of this, don't. But I ask you, what should I do? Shall I keep silent and watch them unleash terror? Do poor people like Jitu Singh Sardar or Rajen Singh's elderly father and brother look like class enemies?"
She said her detractors could criticise her politically. "Call me a thief or robber. But do not kill people. Do not play with blood," Mamata said.
She said there was still a chance for peace. "Any death is painful. I am still hopeful of peace. I want all my brothers and sisters to return to the mainstream. The government will take care of them," she said.
She said the state government is transparent about the encounter. "The police told me that the rebels fired even after the forces announced on loudspeakers that they would get all help, including medical, if they surrendered. They responded by firing nearly 1,000 rounds. There were innocent villagers around. It would have killed nearly 500 villagers. How can I remain silent after this?" she said.
Mamata told the crowd that there were "at least three to four people in Behala who are friends of Naxals". She told people to keep an eye on their activities. She said her initiatives for Jangalmahal's development will continue.
BOX
Maoists warn of fierce retaliation
Jhargram: Maoist state committee member Bikash is likely to lead the PLGA in Bengal while state committee secretary Akash will handle the political affairs, said Maoist sources. Bikash is a protege of Kishanji, the slain Maoist politburo member.
Bikash alias Mansaram Hembram has the experience to lead the PLGA. Since he is a tribal, the Maoists can put him on the front row to stem their eroding support base among tribals.
Akash is equally adept in combat but he may have to confine himself to political activities. Arnab Dam alias Bikram, active in Purulia and Bengal-Jharkhand border, will be next in political planning after Akash. A tough guerrilla leader, Tarit alias Ranjit Pal, who has operated in border areas, is likely to be Bikash's lieutenant, said sources.
Reeling from Kishanji's death, Maoist leaders believe a fierce retaliation is the only way to hold fort in Jangalmahal. The security forces, too, are bracing for a counterattack.
On Sunday, Maoist spokesperson Abhay announced a 'countrywide protest week' from November 29 and a 'Bharat Bandh' on December 4-5. He hinted there is no possibility of any further talks, which indicates the Maoist leadership is looking for retaliation.
Early Sunday morning, Maoist posters were found in Jhargram and Goaltore, warning Trinamool-backed vigilante groups.
Maoists are banking on people arrested before the Lalgarh movement and are currently out on bail. "In jail, our senior leaders made them more politically conscious. Now, they are mature enough to handle important affairs," said a Maoist leader. A spectacular attack was important to boost their cadres' morale, he said.
Other insurgent groups announced their solidarity with the Maoists. Ulfa (anti-talks faction) chairman Abhijit Burman condemned Kishanji's killing and renewed Ulfa's bond with the Maoists
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