Daijiworld News Network – Mangalore (AF) - pics - Dayanand Kukkaje

Mangalore, Sep 1: Condemning the government for harassing the tribals in the pretext of Salwa Judum, the Committee for the Assistance of Tribals Affected by Salwa Judum, has launched an all-India campaign against Salwa Judum.

Addressing a press conference here on Thursday August 31, Revolutionary Democratic Front (RDF) leader Kumar Buradikatti blamed the government of killing the tribals of Bastar in Chattisgarh to facilitate MNCs and the mining companies. He also cited Naxal support from the tribals as another reason for the government's onslaught on them.

Giving statistics, he said that in the name of Salwa Judum, about 250 tribals have been brutally killed, 100 women gang raped, 3000 houses burnt down in 600 villages and more than 5000 tribals forced to resettle in relief camps.

The committee will launch the campaign in association with the members of Adivasi Kala Manch.

The group, which is on a country tour to spread awareness on the issue, also presented a cultural programme on the occasion.