Why Naxals never attack churches in Chhattisgarh: RSS leader

Image
Press Trust of India Raipur
Last Updated : Nov 15 2015 | 9:22 PM IST
Calling churches and Christians to play an "active role" in eradicating Left wing extremism, senior RSS leader Indresh Kumar today wondered why Naxals have "never targeted" the minority community in Chhattisgarh.
"Development can be achieved (only) through peace and brotherhood and not through violence. I have raised a few questions keeping in view Chhattisgarh which has been suffering from the menace of Naxalism with a high degree.
"Naxals have never targeted churches and priests just because they serve them or is there some other reason?" he asked, while interacting with reporters on the sidelines of a programme organised by Forum for Awareness of National Security (FANS) here, to discuss Left wing insurgency prevailing in south Chhattisgarh.
Stating that he was putting "a few questions" before the Christian community and others working in Bastar region, the RSS leader said arms and huge sums of foreign money have been supplied to Naxals.
"...People from media, society and government provide information regarding illegal activities being carried out in the region. Have churches ever tipped off media or government about such kind of violent and illegal activities in the region?" he asked.
However, Indresh clarified that he was not questionning integrity of churches.
"My intention is not to criticise churches. I know they are committed to India and their people believe in serving the nation, but I want their active role in eradicating Naxalism, therefore I have put forth these issues.
"They should decide whether Naxal movement has brought life or death to the region, educated people or snatched away literacy from them, ensured better health or ruined health facilities, triggered development or stalled growth," he said.
Indresh also appealed to the ultras to quit the path of violence and contribute in building a new Chhattisgarh.
"The movement of fear should get transformed into a movement for development. It should become a movement for humanity rather than a movement of violence," Indresh added.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Nov 15 2015 | 9:22 PM IST

Next Story