Mamata warns Bengal government not to use UAPA against intellectuals

Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee today warned the Left government in West Bengal not to use the stringent anti-terror law Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act against intellectuals.

Her warning came two days after the West Bengal government declared that those demanding release of Maoist-backed tribal leader Chhatradhar Mahato were punishable under the Act.

With eminent writer Mahasweta Devi planning to take out a rally to demand Mahato's release, Banerjee asked the Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee government not to implicate intellectuals like the Magsaysay award winner.

"We are keeping a watch on the situation...Mahasweta Devi is a respected person and intellectuals are assets of the country. They are for democratic movement. If intellectuals are touched, we will give a fitting reply," she said.

The Bengali writer and other intellectuals have demanded release of the People's Committee against Police Atrocities leader, arrested under the Act for alleged links with Maoists.

Banerjee claimed, "CPI-M had struck a deal with Mahato before the last Lok Sabha elections and had meetings with him at the state secretariat a number of times."

PCPA is not a banned organisation, Banerjee said, adding that there was nothing wrong in tribals seeking intellectuals' help.

The TC leader alleged that DGP Bhupinder Singh who interrogated Mahato "acted at the behest of CPI-M".

"I smell something fishy (in Mahato's arrest). I don't believe this government," she said.

Clarifying her party's role in the Lalgarh agitation, she said it was led by tribals which her party had supported.

Pointing out CPI-M politburo member Sitaram Yechuri's reported meet with Maoists in Nepal, Banerjee asked, "Are Maoists good in Nepal and bad in Bengal?"

Earlier, the govrnment had issued a awarning to associates and supporters of arrested PCPA leader Chhatradhar Mahato, saying that those demanding his release were punishable under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. In this context, Chief Secretary Asok Mohan Chakraborty, stated that, “The UAPA says that those helping banned organisations in various ways like providing funds and publicity are punishable under the act. Thus, those who are advocating his release are also punishable," told newsmen here.” Mahato’s arrest by CID in the guise of journalists had raised the hackles of the press fraternity which had accused the state government of compromising with their livelihood. On Friday, Kishenji had contested the police's claim that Mahato owned property, had bank accounts and a fabulous insurance policy, challenging the government to seize the property and release the related documents to the press.