Do not portray us as Naxals, villagers plead

Speaking at a Janaspandana meet held at Yadadalli colony here on Monday, villagers explained their woes unanimously. “We are living in fear in this village. We neither expect help from Naxal, nor torture from police. But instead, we need peace,” villagers said.

It can be recalled that there was an encounter between police and Naxals in the region two days ago. Villager Hoskere Kalaiah said that the issue of Naxalism was not born in Yadadalli village. “Naxalism came from outside. We have never seen Naxals in this region. It is quite natural that villagers would be frightened if Naxals ask for help showing guns at them,” he said adding that villagers, who depend on forest produces for their livelihood, would never support naxals. Another youth alleged in the meet that the police torture youths in the village without any reasons. “They look at us as Naxal supporters and torture us,” he added.

Dalit leader Gopal warned youths to be cautious about naxalism. “We have several peaceful ways to fight under democracy. Hence, we should fight for our rights in right ways. There will no use if we take arms and fight in jungles,” he said. We have to adhere by rules since we have elected government and adminsitrative mechanism to solve our problems, he added.

The meeting also focussed on shortcomings in the administration as well as government’s failures with regard to supply of water supply, infrastructure, roads and other facilities.
Tahsildar Yogishwar, Inspector Sadananda Thippannavar and officials of various departments were present.