Misdirected Sympathy

The Binayak Sen case has caused a furore among the educated gentry who are protesting against the sedition charges levied against him. With 40 nobel laureates throwing their weight behind Sen, the issue is causing ripples in the international circles too. The pressure is mounting as the bail plea was rejected again by the Chattisgarh High Court and is now being passed on to the Supreme Court. His backers allege the move to apprehend him was a political one and was riddled with inconsistencies. But, the prosecution counsel told the court he is suspected of having affiliations with the Maoists and the naxal movement. It is really unfortunate that the arrest was made without substantial evidence and if found otherwise the charges must be withdrawn.

But, It is not an unknown fact that there is an expanding coterie of Maoist sympathizers who approve of the ways adopted by them. It is appalling that scholars, reputed authors and several other respected personalities are choosing to turn a blind eye towards the atrocities being committed and endorsing their cause. The Maoists have time and again made their intentions clear about toppling the existing democratic government and establishing military rule. To achieve this goal, they have abducted & beheaded policemen, raped women and killed innocent people. Several of their horrendous acts go unreported due to the inaccessibility of the region were they wield their influence. With funds from China and ideological support from Nepal, the Maoists have become a potent network of trained militia. The difference between a terrorist organization and the Maoists is not very much. They have their preposterous set of demands and if they are not met, they’ll kill people. It doesn’t matter who, as long as their voice is heard.

The subjugation of the people in the inaccessible regions of the country is well known, it is impossible for the urban population to even imagine the inhospitable conditions they live in. But, Is killing innocent people a solution? The protests in the Middle East must act as a precedent for people who turn to arms as a mode of protest. Strong mass protests can make the most stoic governments wilt under pressure. There are several examples that one can recount, in which peaceful and strong protests led to the people in power yield to their demands the Telangana issue for one comes to mind. Throughout history, a single aspect has stood the test of time, that violence never solved anything. Be it Kashmir, Palestine, LTTE, Iraq war. It has led to bloodshed, loss of life in hordes but no solution. The Maoists too are fighting a losing battle, as long as they don’t abjure violence-as the Home Minister said - “Nobody will listen.”

Thus, I have no sympathy for people who sympathize with Maoists. No matter how many Nobel laureates think otherwise, the state must show strength in order to suppress anti-national elements.