Disillusioned villagers of Midnapore seek a Maoist free environment

West Midnapore, Dec 7 (ANI): Expressing their anguish, villagers in West Midnapore district of West Bengal condemned Maoist atrocities and said that they have not lived up to the promises of developing the area.

In an exclusive interview to Asian News International (ANI), the villagers said that earlier the Maoists had set up committees for developing the village. However, they misused their privilege, eventually beating and abducting innocent villagers.

"A committee was setup in the village by Maoists for villagers and we had clearly demanded that there should be no violent activities in the village or any sort of atrocity on villagers. However, they did not live up to their promise and eventually started beating up villagers and abducted two of our villagers who are missing till date. After this incident we are completely against them and despise them," said Anil Mahato, a villager.

He also added that villagers have now begun to trust police authorities who in turn are also extending support to people in the village.

"Since that time there has been a change in the village, police authorities have started supporting us and the people in the village are also with the police," added Mahato.

Meanwhile, locals also added that the West Bengal chief minister, Mamata Banerjee is committed to assisting the village and facilitating a progressive environment.

"The situation in the village is relatively peaceful as of now. Maoist organizations did not want to help us but they were here because of selfish motives. We were also pressurized to join them; however villagers in our area refrained from doing so. I have a strong belief in the chief minister of our state and am committed to assisting her in helping our village. We want development, peace in the area and I am sure that Mamata Banerjee would facilitate that kind of a progressive environment," said Dilbat Mahato, a villager.

The tussle for power by the Maoists has led to villagers reeling under abject poverty and violence.

Union Home Minister P Chidambaram has termed the Left-wing extremism as "a bigger challenge than terrorism".

He also promised that the central government would help the state governments with funds, technology and security forces to fight the Maoists. (ANI)