PCPA still running on democratic line; Mahato

Midnapore, Nov 6 : On the eve of their first foundation day, People's Committee Against Police Atrocities(PCPA) convener Asit Mahato today stressed that the organisation was running on democratic line and had no connection with the Maoists.

''Parties like the CPI(M) besides, the state government want to malign us by spreading such rumours but our movement has always remained democratic,'' Mr Mahato told UNI.

The PCPA was founded on November 6 last year in Dalilpur village under Lalgarh PS following alleged police atrocities on tribal women after Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee’s convoy was attacked near Bhadutala on November 2 last year.

''Since then, the number of committee members has risen to more than 300,000 in the three districts of West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia,'' Mahato claimed.

Outlining their developmental activities, Mahato said they had built embankments in Dharampur and Belpahari, set up hospitals in Bhulageria, Chuasole, Hentasole and Metalia where each day more than 150 poor tribals were being given free treatment.

''We have also sunk tubewells and dug up irrigation canals in many villages without waiting for government support,'' he said.

Asked about the formation of a peoples’ militia recently, he said, ''We don’t have any arms with us. The militia is only for helping the people.'' The PCAPA is celebrating the foundation day by holding small meetings and taking out small processions in remote areas of Junglemahals, Mahato said.

''In view of Section 144 CrPC in most places we could not organise large meetings or processions,'' he added.

--UNI

(c) 2009 Published with permission from United News of India.
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