Just a day after former Finance Minister P Chidambaram saying there is nothing like urban Naxalism and that they are left leaning intellectuals, Uttam Sengupta, the Executive Editor of National Herald (Congress’ mouthpiece), has written an article titled ‘Why do Maoists still pose a threat to the Indian state?’. In the article, Sengupta, while attacking the security forces, also seems to be making a case for Maoists for picking up arms against the state.

CONG ATTACKS FORCES

One of the lines in the article reads, “When security forces get into the act and ambush ‘Maoists’, the suspiciously large number of women and children among the dead point to fake encounters. It is a tragedy being played out there”.

The Congress is yet to clarify its stand on the article.

The article also seems to be defending the violence perpetrated by the Maoists, picking up of guns by them against civilians and forces as well.

READ | P Chidambaram On Urban Naxals Case: ' No Thing As Urban Naxalism, They Are Left-wing Intellectuals'

One of the excerpts from the article reads as:

“To put it even more bluntly, this section of the Indian state has a huge stake in keeping the bogey of Maoists alive. More companies, more equipments, more camps and more supplies draw more contractors, and the demand for ever growing need for better communication, drones, helicopters, minesweepers require more public funds.”

JOBLESSNESS DEFENCE

Giving a brazen defence for picking up guns, the article blames joblessness as the reason for youth turning to violence. It says that young men in rural areas pick up guns, “partly because of rural joblessness”.

'DESPERATION' DEFENCE

The article also goes on to claim that the youths take up arms in desperation “to ensure their own security… and to get better food and clothing.”

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MAKING A CASE FOR MAOISTS?

The article also makes a shocking case for Maoists, claiming the poor young men in villages turn to arms as they look around for help but find none.”

This comes even as around 4,514 people, including civilians and security forces, have been killed in various Maoist attacks in last 10 years.

Meanwhile, recently, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram condemned the arrests of five activists in connection with the Bhima-Koregaon violence in Maharashtra and said there is no such thing as “Urban Naxalism”. Chidambaram said that these people are Left-wing intellectuals, who are being “intimidated by the government because they are perceived as strong opponents of the Right wing.”

Following the pan-India raids and detention in connection with the violence in Bhima-Koregaon, the Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled that all the 5 detained by the Pune police will be put under house arrest till September 6.