Edasmeta encounter: Congmen to meet Guv

Will demand CBI inquiry into the incident

Raipur, May 20, 2013

Condemning Edasmeta encounter and terming it fake the Congress leaders including party’s state unit head Nandkumar Patel and CLP leader Ravindra Choubey have decided to meet Governor Shekhar Dutt and demand CBI inquiry into the incident. In this connection, the party has sought appointment from the Governor. During their meeting, the Congress leaders will also hand over report of Chhote Dongar encounter to the Governor.

“Edasmeta massacre occurred when the people had gathered to celebrate their traditional festival. Many were shot at close range. On the occasion, only one gun was recovered. How come Maoists would carry only one gun to deal large number of security personnel,” asked Congress vice president TS Singhdeo, general secretary Bhupesh Baghel, chief spokesperson Shailesh Nitin Trivedi and party’s other office bearers on Monday.

“It was completely a fake encounter. The government should tell what has it done by far against those who were responsible for Edasmeta massacre,” they said. 

“This was second massacre in Bijapur district in less than a year. The angst expressed by local women in the aftermath of Edasmeta incident indicates that they have woken up against the incumbent government,” they added.

“This government has become stolid. The autopsy of the villagers killed in the encounter was done putting aside all the rules. The remark of sub-divisional magistrate, who was present during autopsy, too is objectionable and reflects government’s indifference towards people,” they said. 

“It is also unfortunate that the tribal population in state has shrunk from 33% to 31%. Where have so many tribals gone? Even if they have not been killed, they must surely have migrated to other states fearing police terror and increasing number of fake encounters,’ they said.

Pointing that not only lawlessness prevail in Bastar but the region also lacked basic facilities like drinking water, health, education and development, the Congress leaders alleged that elected and democratic institutions had lost control over administration and police in the tribal belt.