Ranchi, May 29 : Tribals had been taught distorted history over the years and, as a result, they feel that they are not a part of India and look on Naxalites as their well wishers, according to Prakash Singh, the former director-general of BSF.
Singh was today speaking as the chief guest at a seminar on “Why are tribals getting attracted towards Naxalism?” organised by the state police and Ranchi University’s anthropology department. “Some tribes such as the Birhors and Mal Paharias of Jharkhand feel unsafe as they are on the verge of extinction. This is one of the factors responsible for their inclination towards Naxalism,” Singh, a Padamsree awardee, said.
The other reason was poor development, he added. “Development plans are not being implemented while crores of rupees are being released by the Centre. Lack of progress in their home turf make tribals think that they are neglected,” Singh said.