Due to frequent newspaper reports about violence in Bastar region due to conflicts between leftist extremists and state agencies, there was a palpable fear in the air. Some of the older shodhyatris were deterred by the incidents which happened only a few days before the commencement of the yatra.
New Delhi: Aiming to arrest the spread of Red terror in the country, the Union Cabinet on Thursday cleared a Rs 3,300 crore special plan for 60 Naxal-affected districts across nine states to ensure overall development of these areas.
The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved a special plan for the development of 35 districts affected by Naxalism to address issues like healthcare, schooling and drinking water. Under the plan, each of the 35 districts will get `25 crores every year.
Forest people across India are being denied their legitimate right to collect and trade in minor forest produce. Down To Earth correspondents travelled to Jharkhand, Chhatisgarh, MP, AP, Maharashtra & Orrisa to unravel the conspiracy.
Down to Earth reports from Naxalite-affected districts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand and expresses concern over an unwelcome change creeping into the programmes and policies of NGOs and other civil society groups working in the region. Finds that squeezed between the naxalites and the police, NGOs are abandoning community mobilisation.
