Maoists demand autonomy for three WB districts

A demand for autonomy for three tribal-dominated districts of West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia in West Bengal was made on Saturday by a top Maoist leader, who also justified the Gorkhaland statehood issue.

"We demand autonomy for the three districts on the lines of the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council," Maoist leader Kishenji told PTI from an undisclosed location. He alleged that the West Bengal government had denied the legitimate rights of the people of the districts.

"We demand autonomy to protect the language, culture and religious beliefs of tribals." Asked if he meant statehood, he replied, "the people of the three

districts are not yet prepared for statehood." Queried if it was part of the demand for a 'greater Jharkhand', Kishenji said, "That demand is no longer relevant. The scenario has changed. "Moreover the formation of Jharkhand has not solved any problem. Going forward with the 'greater Jharkhand' demand will not solve the problem of tribals," he said.

Kisenji, however, supported the demand for Gorkhaland in Darjeeling stating that it was "legitimate". "It is the oldest demand for a separate state. They should be allowed a separate state to focus on their development as the state government has neglected the tea and tourism industry there," Kishenji claimed.