Raipur: AAP leader and activist Soni Sori is not the only one who is being hounded in Chhattisgarh. There are reports of activist Bela Bhatia, who has formerly served on a Planning Commission-appointed panel to look at governance challenges in areas of the Maoist rebellion, being intimidated by a mob.
Ms Bhatia holds a doctorate from Cambridge University. The writer, sociologist and social activist was asked to leave Chhattisgarh. How-ever, a defiant Bela has penned an open letter saying that she would not do so.
Here's the excerpts of the letter: If somebody says you are a Naxal, does that make you one? Would you leave your place just because somebody wants you to? This is what has recently happened to me. All of us are aware of the ongoing war between the government and the Maoists in Bastar.
The smell of gunpowder barely reaches cities like Jagdalpur but war is an everyday reality for Adivasis living in the hinterland. You can imagine the plight of people who are caught in the crossfire between Maoists and security forces for a decade.
A time came when I felt it necessary to help these people fight for their rights. I find it strange that people insisting on the implementation of the law are being labeled ‘Maoists’’.
Jagdalpur-based Samajik Ekta Manch has cited similar reasons to reiterate these accusations against me. It is because of the same allegations that I have been asked to leave Bastar. However, Ms Bhatia said, I had come to Bastar to stay. I will try to remain in the district despite everything that has happened.”
Jean Derez comes out in support of Bela Bhatia
Noted economist jean Derez has come out in support of activist and his partner Bela Bhatia. According to catchnews.com, he said, Ï was surprised to hear that some people had come to my partner Bela”’s house near Jagdalpur and instigated her neighbours against her.
They took out a procession in the neighbourhood, shouting slogans like Bela Bhatia murdabad and Bela Bhatia Bastar chodo.
“They also distributed a leaflet accusing both of us of being Naxalites who are trying to “tear the country apart” — nothing less. Some of them advised Bela's landlady to evict her. Fortunately, Bela's landlady and neighbours are very fond of her and they did not lose their nerve.
He further said, “Anyone who thinks that Bela and I are Naxalites is seriously out of touch with reality. Bela has already refuted these charges and clarified the nature of her work in Bastar.”
