Bollywood personalities, artistes appeal for peace in Maoist-hit villages in West Bengal
By ANISunday, June 21, 2009
PATHAR DANGA - A group of filmmakers, theatre artistes, and social activists visited some Maoists infested villages in West Bengal and appealed to all parties including Maoists to give up their arms and hold dialogue to resolve all issues.
The group also visited Pathar Danga, a village five kilometres away from Lalgarh, a town that was declared a “liberated zone” by Maoist rebels.
Filmmaker Aparna Sen on this occasion pointed out that several tribals had been caught between security personnel and rebels in the ongoing operation. She said that women and children had fallen victim in the ongoing crisis.
“Of course, they have to regain control. But regaining control should not through using fire arms. We are appealing as citizens to all parties, to all political parties, who have accumulated firearms, to the Maoists, to the government everybody please put down your arms,” said Sen.
“These people have been deprived ever since Indian independence. They don’t have anything, they don’t have schools, they don’t have education, they don’t have drinking water, and they don’t have food. There is terrible situation. So if some work is done, social work is done in these villages, I don’t think that the people would have risen again the government like this,” Sen added.
The group members also appealed the rebels to come forward and hold dialogue with authorities and prevent deaths of innocent women and children.
“What I suggest to the government and also to the Maoist if they are here with arms, to stop these activities, to stop killings, to stop beating up women and children and get into discussion. Through discussion only we can reach somewhere. But through violence they cannot reach anywhere,” said Saonli Mitra, theatre personality.
On Saturday, security officials said they had regained control of Lalgarh police station, earlier captured by Maoist rebels in one of the most brazen attacks in recent years.
Lalgarh is about 170 km (100 miles) from Kolkata. (ANI)
