Question : Exploitation of Tribals by Naxalites

(a) whether cases of exploitation of tribals by Naxalites/maoists have come to the notice of the Government in Naxal affected States of the country during each of the last three years and the current year;

(b) if so, the details thereof, Statewise;

(c) whether the Government is aware that the Left Wing Extremist Groups have being recruiting children from the tribal belt of naxal affected areas in the country during the said period;

(d) if so, the details thereof, Statewise; and

(e) the corrective steps taken/being taken by the Government to protect tribals and children from the Naxalites along with the achievements thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI HANSRAJ GANGARAM AHIR)

(a)&(b): Exploitation of tribals by Left Wing Extremists manifests in multifarious ways to include – being forced to provide food and shelter, act as informers against Security Forces(SF), confront administration/SFs and obstruct development initiatives, being used as human shields during
operations by SFs and forced recruitment. The Left Wing Extremists also frequently target the tribals by branding them as police informers. State-wise data of civilians killed by LWE cadres in the last three years and up to 31 March 2017 is given at Annexure.
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LS.US.Q.No.6105 FOR 11.04.2017
(c)&(d): Yes, the Government is aware that the Left Wing Extremists in the States of Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Odisha recruit young children from time to time. In Bihar and Jharkhand, these children are enrolled in ‘Bal Dasta’ and in Chhattisgarh and Odisha the children’s squad is known as ‘Bal Sangham’. However their numbers cannot be ascertained.
(e): The Central Government has been pursuing a multi-pronged strategy to deal with Left Wing Extremism, centered around security related measures, developmental interventions and ensuring rights & entitlements of local communities etc. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs also undertakes various interventions for welfare of Scheduled Tribes for their better and social uplift with a view to integrate them with the main stream. The strategy has led to considerable improvement of the security situation which translates into better protection of tribals and children.




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