We have suffered bans. We have been arrested, not because of any action, but because we belonged to an ‘illegal’ party. In 1950-51, I was arrested and imprisoned for one-and-a-half years because I belonged to the CPI. When I came out, I was literally on the deathbed due to a 54-day-long hunger strike in jail. For two years after that, I went underground. I was declared an absconder.

The ban only empowers the police and administration to arrest and prosecute people for belonging to an illegal organisation, not for any overt activity.

That is why we are saying, the ban itself is not enough. What is necessary is political action to win over the people who may have been misled by the Maoists. This must be coupled with administrative action wherever Maoist action crosses the legal limit, as in Lalgarh.

So what needs to be done in Lalgarh?

Police action against Maoists must not become military action against the adivasis. This will only alienate them further. Even while police action is going on, we are saying proceed cautiously, there must be no harassment of women.

Moreover, suppose you have “liberated” villages today, what about tomorrow? You have to win back the people. Every inch that you advance into the area, you have to organise relief, medical help, reopen schools, ensure people return to their normal lives.

But how do you win back hearts and minds with cadres that have become arrogant?

Cadres, their lifestyles, have to change. The founders of socialism envisaged that the cadres’ relationship with the people would be like fish and water. You cannot become sharks.

... contd.