Naxal killings decrease by 45% during first half of 2007

New Delhi: In its latest issue of “Naxal Conflict Monitor” (http://www.achrweb.org/ncm/NCM-VOL-02-02.pdf) released to the media today, Asian Centre for Human Rights stated that a total of 249 persons including 69 civilians, 113 security forces, and 67 alleged Naxalites have been killed in the Naxalite conflict during January to June 2007. The highest number of killings were reported from Chhattisgarh (141), followed by Andhra Pradesh (39) and Jharkhand (29).

“There has been over 45% decrease in the number of killings in comparison to the same period in 2006, which saw the killing of at least 460 persons. However, the conflict is intensifying as reflected from the number of killing of the security forces.” – stated Mr Suhas Chakma, Director of Asian Centre for Human Rights.

Lamenting the failure of the governments to implement the development schemes for the tribals, Asian Centre for Human Rights stated the “there has been no dearth of development schemes for the tribals but implementation perennially remained problematic. Implementation of the schemes in the Naxalite affected areas have almost come to virtual halt because of the increased conflict”.

An estimated amount Rs 6,500 crores meant for implementation of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme were not spent during 2005-2006 and Rs 1,522.90 crores for development of the tribals could not be released by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to various State governments by the end of December 2006 because of the failure of the State governments to submit utilisation certificates under the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act of 2004.

The failure of the State governments to deliver basic services has been strengthening the support base of the Naxals, intensifying the conflict and causing gross violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms by the security forces and the Naxalites.

ACHR