Arms seem to matter for Maoist rehab plan

12 April 2012

biswabrata goswami 
 JHARGRAM, 12 APRIL: The West Bengal government seems to be completely unresponsive in moving forward with its own rehabilitation and financial package for Maoists who wish to surrender without arms.
 This has apparently come true as many youths who have claimed themselves as Maoists in Junglemahal are willing to surrender before the state government, but police are virtually not responding to them.
  Frustrated with the local police and security forces, around 22 Maoists had recently shot off a letter to chief minister Mamata Banerjee saying they were willing to surrender before the state government.
 “But, we've received no response from the chief minister so far. Fifty youths who had worked for Maoist squads in Junglemahal are willing to return to the mainstream. But as they do not possess any arms now, police are not interested in them,” a Maoist squad member in Belpahari said.
 To encourage Maoists to surrender arms and join the mainstream, the state government had revamped the surrender and rehabilitation package for Maoists in August last year just after the new government took charge.
 The state government had also enhanced the rehabilitation package to Rs 50,000 to former Maoist cadres at the time of surrender. Moreover, they will get a monthly stipend of Rs 2,000 for two years. Earlier, the stipend was given for three years. The state government will also give another Rs 2 lakh as fixed deposit which they will be entitled to withdraw after two years. In the earlier package, the rebels were given only Rs 1.5 lakh as fixed deposit which they could withdraw after a period of three years.
 The state government has even decided to set up separate transit camps to house the surrendered Maoists and revamp the surrender and rehabilitation package in order make it more attractive.
A senior police officer, who is not willing to be named, said: “At present, we are looking for Maoist leaders Akash and Bikash. Most Maoist leaders wanted by police in Junglemahal have either been arrested or surrendered before the state government. A few of them are hiding in other states. Those who worked as Maoist linkmen are now willing to surrender to avoid arrest. So, we are not interested in them as they do not possess arms.”
 During the announcement of special rehabilitation package for Maoists, Miss Banerjee had said: “Those surrendering could join the state government in its efforts to develop areas like Jangalmahal…We assure them of a life of total security on grounds of humanity and are welcoming anyone who comes forward to work towards development, peace and progress by laying down their arms and joining the mainstream.”

KoPT passes the buck for project failures

11 April 2012

biswabrata goswami
HALDIA, 11 APRIL: The Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) authority has apparently misled the West Bengal government on the Farakka water discharge issue to cover up its failures in implementing major development projects which were taken up in the past few years at an estimated cost of Rs 6000 to Rs 7000 crore.
The issue came to light when the port's hydraulic study department revealed disclosed that the Farakka water has little impact on the Hooghly Estuary below Shalukkhali, Haldia and Diamond Harbour. They also said that the water from  the Farakka is insignificant in relation to the total amount of sea water which enters into the river during the high tide.
The matter escalated when Miss Mamata Banerjee, allegedly influenced by the KoPT chairman ML Meena, said that the ports of Haldia and Kolkata are drying up because of the flow of excess water to Bangladesh through  Farakka Barrage.
The Centre had also ordered a probe into Miss Banerjee's allegations of a conspiracy behind the breaches in the two gates of the Farakka Barrage. However, officials said that there is no question of sabotage and the damage was accidental.  River transport companies revealed that the available draft in the river beyond Nabadwip had dropped by one metre to 1.5 metres against the minimum requirement of 2.5 metres and the KoPT authorities were apprehensive of shoaling of the river at Hooghly point from March end.  “The water level in the Hooghly goes up by four to five metres and vessel movements take place during high tide." said a senior port official. "  " It is just a conspiracy to put the blame on the Farakka water discharge system in order to cover up the failed implementation of projects which were conceived by KoPT chairman Mr Meena," he added. The projects are estimated to be worth Rs 6000 to 7000 crore. The KoPT had planned several major projects, including setting up Haldia dock-II at Shalukkhali, a deep-drafted port at Sagar Island and a container terminal at Diamond Harbour.  It also wanted the initiation of trans-loading facilities connecting cargo handling at Konika Sands in Odisha with outer terminal-I at Haldia. A senior port official said that these projects were abandoned either because of techno-economic reasons or because they are entangled in legal battles with Odisha.  He also said that the KoPT chairman had furnished improper statements on the Farakka water discharge issue before the chief minister to cover up his failures. Mr Meena, however, was not available for his comment.

Techno-economic reasons block KoPT’s new projects

9 April 2012

biswabrata goswami
HALDIA, 9 APRIL: The Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) has failed to implement any major project planned in the past few years, allegedly for techno-economic reasons.
This has come at a time when the UPA government is all set to chart a road map to ensure the timely implementation of existing projects and enhance investments in the languishing port sector.
In the past few years, the KoPT had envisaged several major projects, including setting up Haldia dock-II at Shalukkhali, a deep-drafted port at Sagar Island and a container terminal at Diamond Harbour. It also wanted the  initiation of trans-loading facilities connecting cargo handling at Konika Sands in Odisha with outer terminal-I at Haldia. But none of these projects have been implemented.
In February 2011, Miss Mamata Banerjee, the then Union railways minister, laid a foundation stone for Haldia dock-II at Shalukkhali at an estimated investment of several thousand crores. It was then said there was a draft of 9 to 9.5 metres at Shalukkhali and the water-level would be consistent throughout the year, which was ideal for setting up a new port with a better draft.  The contract for a feasibility study for the port at Shalukkhali  was given to Rites Ltd. Proposals were also invited to construct the port on a private partnership model. But, in reality the water level at Shalukkhali is much lower than what was announced before the Assembly elections. The maximum draft at Shalukkhali is 8.2 metres, against the initially declared draft of 9 to 9.5 metres. The project, accordingly, may not see the light of the day. According to port officials, at about the same time, Miss Banerjee had laid the foundation stone for a deep-drafted port at Sagar Island at an estimated investment of several thousand crores. Construction of a container terminal at Diamond Harbour was also envisaged. The contract for the feasibility study for the deep-drafted port at Sagar Island and container terminal at Diamond harbour was also given to Rites. But, RITES in its report has clearly indicated that a deep-drafted port at the identified location is not possible for technical and economic reasons. Finally, this project was put on hold by the board members of KoPT.  The KoPT had planned to extend its port limits up to Konika Sands in Odisha, to set up trans-loading facilities, connecting cargo handling at Kanika Sands in Odisha with Outer Terminal-1 at Haldia. But, extension of KoPT limits up to Konika Sands has been scrapped by the Odisha High Court. The KoPT then moved the Supreme Court for stay of the Odisha High Court order and it has decided not to proceed with the mid-stream trans-loading project tendering process, despite receiving a breather from the Supreme Court. Thus, transloading of cargo at Konika Sands is also in doldrums.
All major port development projects envisaged at a total investment of Rs 6,000-Rs 7,000 crore are either not possible because of techno-economic reasons or entangled in legal battles with neighbouring Odisha, according to a senior port official. 

Seth in fresh trouble

6 April 2012

Bank asks Lakshman’s NGO to clear dues within 60 days
biswabrata goswami
HALDIA, 6 APRIL: Lakshman Seth, who is now in judicial custody after being arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department in connection with the Nandigram violence, is now in fresh trouble after his non-governmental organisation (NGO) ~ ICARE ~ received a notice by Syndicate Bank asking it to repay its Rs 10.16 crore debt within two months.
The bank's branch at Rashbehari Avenue, Kolkata, had extended ICARE a credit facility of Rs 22.40 crore after the NGO gave away 61.60 acres in Haldia's Hateberia Mouja as mortgage. The land was given in two installments ~ 24.62 acres initially and 36.98 later.
Since its inception, the NGO of the former member of Parliament from Tamluk and CPI-M party strongman in Haldia built several educational institutions ~ Haldia Institute of Technology, Haldia Law College, Haldia Maritime Institute and 16 other educational institutions ~ on the two plots. However, ICARE defaulted in repaying some installments in the recent past.
“As you have defaulted in repayment of your liabilities, we have classified your accounts as non-performing assets as on 30.12.2011, in accordance with the directions or guidelines issued by the Reserve Bank of India," said the bank notice.
It also said: “We hereby call upon all of you to discharge in full your liabilities to us within a period of 60 days from the date of this notice, failing which we will be exercising the powers under section 13 of the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Asset and Enforcement of Security Interest Act against the secured asset mentioned above. The powers available to us under section 13 of the Act, inter alia includes: (i) power to take possession of the secured assets of the borrower including the rights of transfer by way of lease, assignment or sale for realising secured assets and (ii) take over the management of the business, including the right to transfer by way of lease, assignment or sale and realise the secured debit, and any transfer of secured asset by us shall vest in the transferee all rights in relation to the secured asset transferred as if the transfer had been made by you”.
Mr Anjan Sen, chief executive of ICARE, said: “This type of notice to an organisation is nothing new. We have paid some installments to the bank, but could not repay a few recently. We have reached this situation as a good number of students have dropped from courses and, thereby, costs have increased. We have written to the bank urging it to hold a meeting with us because we are capable of repaying the debt.” However, the notice has triggered sensation among the students of various ICARE-run institutions. Some have alleged that they have been victimised by  the ICARE authorities as no campus interview was held this year.

Absconding CPM men get security

4 April 2012

Intelligence report puts cops in dock
biswabrata goswami
MIDNAPORE, 4 APRIL: Some CPI-M leaders who are at large after being accused in various crimes in West Midnapore district are enjoying police security.
A report of the Union Intelligence agency which has revealed the fact has put the district administration in trouble. In a letter written on 30 March this year to the district superintendent of police, the Union intelligence agency has asked the district police whether the leaders who were given police security in the last financial year in West Midnapore need security this year.
According to intelligence agency report, 14 persons, including some CPI-M leaders, are enjoying police security for the past few years owing to the threat given by Maoists. Of the CPI-M leaders, Sheikh Khaliluddin, a CPI-M local committee member in Lalgarh who is wanted in the Netai carnage case, is enjoying police security while police have repeatedly informed the court that he was absconding.
On 7 January 2011, nine villagers were gunned down and 22 persons injured allegedly by the CPI-M armed cadres at Netai village. The CBI has accused 20 CPI-M leaders in connection with the case. Among the accused, six CPI-M leaders, including Khaliluddin, Anuj Pande, Chandi Karan, Phullara Mondol, Tapan Dey and Joydev Giri, are still at large.
Similarly, Anil Mahato, a CPI-M Banspahari local committee secretary who is also an accused in a murder case, is being provided police security. Police security is being given to Tarun Roy, a district secretariat member who is absconding after being accused in the Benachapra skeleton recovery case.
As Maoists had threatened Trinamul leaders over the demand of withdrawal of security forces from Junglemahal, a wary district administration had strengthened security of all MLAs and senior political leaders in the Maoist-hit areas last year.
The administration had decided to provide four security personnel each to all four Trinamul MLAs from the area. Earlier, two security personnel used to guard an MLA from the area.
The administration had also decided to provide security cover to an MLA whenever he/she visits areas in Junglemahal. Other political leaders on Maoist hit-list, too, were provided security. Sources in the Central Intelligence agencies said Maoists had prepared a list of 22 Trinamul leaders who would be attacked last year. Four Trinamul Congress MLAs were on top of the list. The hit-list was prepared at a meeting in the jungles of Jharkhand.
"But, after the death of the rebels’ top leader Kishenji, security provision to the leaders should be checked further and hence the letter was written to the district police,” sources close to the Union intelligence agency said.
Mr Sukumar Hansda, a Trinamul Congress MP from Jhargram, said: “How is it possible. I will talk to the district police and civil administration about it." Mr Praveen Tripathi, superintendent of police, was not available for comments.

Human trafficking on the rise in Junglemahal

3 April 2012

biswabrata goswami
MIDNAPORE, 3 APRIL: The number of people missing from Maoist-hit Junglemahal in West Midnapore has increased manifold in the past three years, triggering fears that more persons are being trafficked from the region than before.
Social activists have blamed poverty, lack of job opportunities and political instability for the rise in the number of “missing” persons. According to figures available with the district administration, the number of “missing” people in eight blocks of Jhargram sub-division in West Midnapore has gone up to 184 between 2009 and 2011 while it was 73 between 2006 and 2008. The most alarming figure the report has thrown up is not the increase in “missing” people in the whole district but the rise in the number in the eight blocks of Maoist-hit tribal area in Jhargram.
“The situation is alarming in Sankrail, Binpur-II, Gopiballavpur-I and Nayagram blocks of Jhargram and with the political instability for the past four years, acute poverty, lack of job opportunities and unprecedented violence, these figures are bound to rise. It is time a proactive intervention programme is devised for the region,” said Ms Swathi Dutta, a social activist associated with the Child Welfare Committee (CWC).
Asked if the increase in the number of “missing” cases was actually a sign that people were becoming more aware and were filing complaints in various police stations on the slightest suspicion, the activist replied in the negative. “The figures are only the tip of the iceberg and the number of complaints has increased because the number of trafficked people in every place has increased,” said Ms Dutta. According to reports submitted by various agencies before the district administration, most of these people are trafficked by middlemen locally known as agent or dalal, some are by their near relatives or even family members. The situation is alarming as there is no trace of where about 10 per cent of these people are.
“These people, mostly girls between 15 to 18 years and their parents, become easy prey of agents who lure them with attractive packages and lifestyle. These trafficked girls are subjected to worst kind of economic and physical exploitation at various metros in our country. It is strange that the administration has no proper information or data bank for these trafficked girls,” said an officer of the district social welfare department.
“During the tough periods when political clashes often occurred in tribal villages in the past three years, many earning members of the tribal families were forced to join the armed camps.
Police are also responsible for increased trafficking as this issue is not prioritised enough. The geographic condition of Jhargram is such that it forms an easy transit point for trafficking, said a social welfare officer.

People bracing up for drinking water crisis

30 March 2012

biswabrata goswami
TAMLUK, 30 MARCH: With temperature soaring each passing day, an acute drinking water crisis is looming large in rural areas of East Midnapore district. Thousands of people across the district are facing a shortage of drinking water as most of the water supply schemes is yet to be implemented due to financial crisis.
Around 5,000 tube-wells spread across 25 blocks of the district have gone dry as the groundwater levels have receded. The water that can be drawn from the remaining 4,000-odd tube-wells is insufficient, local residents said.
Places like Chandipur, Nandigram and Sutahata have been witnessing frequent altercations and even fisticuffs between villagers queuing up for water from private sources like tube-wells and submersible pumps.
Meanwhile, indiscriminate pumping of water by various means has taken a toll on the groundwater level in the coastal areas of the district. The situation in blocks like Moyna, Patashpur-I and II, Bhagawanpur-I and II, Khejuri, Contai, Chandipur, Nandigram-I and II, Tamluk, Haldia, Panskura and Kolaghat is alarming since lakhs of farmers in these blocks, cut off from surface water sources, are relying heavily on groundwater for irrigation. As growers drilled more ~ and deeper ~ wells without seeking permission from the administration, experts say there is a danger that more water will be drawn from aquifers. Groundwater pumping to irrigate crops is a normal practice, but in dry months without supplementation of surface water supplies, it is a must.
Mr Mamud Hossain, saha-sabhadhipati of zilla-parishad said: “Some blocks are facing an acute drinking water shortage because we are unable to install new tube-wells at all places. We have sought Rs 10 crore from the state public health engineering department. If the minister sanctions the fund, we can combat the situation during the summer.”
Mr Hossain said 15 water supply schemes at various blocks  have been put on hold as power connection has not yet been established in the project areas.
District magistrate Parvez Ahmed Siddiqui said: “We have taken measures to contain the situation by implementing schemes under the Sajaldhara and other PHE projects across the district.”