Author: Nityanand Shukla/ Ranchi
Publication: The Pioneer
Date: June 19, 2003
The Function of some Non Governmental
Organisations (NGOs), alleged to be funding banned Maoist groups in the
State, is being probed by the state intelligence department.
"A preliminary inquiry has revealed
that some of the NGOs are funding the banned Maoist Groups in Jharkhand,"
said an intelligence official on the condition of anonymity. He further
said, "Our investigation is based on two theories. First, there are few
NGOs who are working as conduit to the funding to extremists. These funds
are channelled from South East Asian countries as well as from inside the
country to Jharkhand where it is used for procuring arms and other things
for extremist groups. "In the name of upliftment of poverty-ridden tribals,
the foreign agencies pump money which are diverted to promote extremism
in the State. In some cases the Maoist groups from other parts of the country
and foreign countries channel their funds through theses NGOs. And the
Government allows these funds as it is taken in the name of development,"
the intelligence official revealed.
Second, there are NGOs who are funding
extremist groups to do their work comfortably in rural areas. The state
intelligence department is also trying to find if any extremist group has
registered any NGO for its purpose. "There are possibilities that extremist
groups might have registered some NGOs and are using them for their own
purpose," said another senior police official of intelligence department.
Despite the State Government's action against the Naxalites their activities
are being carried out uninterrupted in the State.
According to police, extremists
are still holding people's court in rural areas, calling shots and taking
cuts.
The police officials privately admit
that the extremists are in possession of sophisticated weapons, bullet
proofs jackets and devices used to track the movement of police. The state
intelligence department is also investigating the role of Christian missionaries
in funding the extremist groups.
"No church, priests or nuns have
been attacked despite the fact that they are working in extremist infested
areas. The role of Christian missionaries is under scanner too. "Missionaries
have their own interest. They might be funding the extremists to create
unrest in the rural areas so as to prevent the Government agencies from
reaching there which will help them in conversion and other things," said
a top police officials. According to an police estimate, the extremists
are earning about Rs 3 billion per annum from levy from big business houses,
smuggling and taking cuts from development funds.
