Kerala - Kochi   

Keep space for dialogue open: Medha

KOCHI: Medha Patkar, activist, feels that any move to brand all protests as political extremism should be immediately condemned and exposed. She feels that space for dialogue with all involved in the welfare of the people should be left open.

“It is not necessary that we break all ties with other modes of protests so long as they are not violating any law. On the other hand, the State is becoming more and more violent. This also needs to be addressed. State condemns illegal activities by these activists, but State cannot kidnap or murder people. Be it Naxalism or Maoism, they should be dealt with legally. None of these ‘isms’ are banned here,” she said in response to questions from The Hindu over phone.

So, is the State attempting to divert public attention from real issues by branding all protesters as extremists?

“Yes. Such attempts are meant to divert attention from the real issues, which are mostly development-induced ones, and suppress non-violent protests. Even where there are allegations of Naxalism spreading among Adivasis, the real issue is the rights of Adivasis.”

Ms. Patkar is certain about her path. For her, “non-violence is a value, and not a strategy,” she says.

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