Tribal women are Maoists’ latest tool against police

Maoists have successfully roped in hundreds of women into their fold on the West Bengal-Orissa border, something which the Orissa government has failed to do since long.

Though most of these women are working for the Maoists indirectly, the rebels have found a major force in these women, who are their biggest sympathisers.

Hundreds of women in the Maoists infested areas have come out openly in support of the Maoists and started opposing the ongoing Operation Green Hunt.

Last Thursday, the Biplabi Adibasi Mahila Sangha (BAMS) had organised a massive women’s rally in Koraput opposing the government drive against Maoists.

The BAMS mainly comprises women activists from tribal- dominated Koraput and Malkangiri districts, the worst affected by Maoists.

“We are aware of the situation. The Maoists are taking advantage of the tribals’ ignorance,” Anirudha Singh, Malkangiri superintendent of police, said.

BAMS has successfully made up for the loss of Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangha, an association of farmers, labourers and tribals, which had started land reform campaign for tribals in Naryanpatan block of Koraput.

According to Prafulla Samanatara, whose Lok Sahkti Abhijan, is working for the uplift of tribals, “Police are only spreading rumours. They are determined to crush all the democratic uprisings by calling all (who go against them) as Maoists. When people take up arms, no one can stop them.” Prafulla is currently on the police radar.