Naxals’ appeal to join them a challenge to country’s system: Maharashtra minister

Mumbai: Maharashtra Home Minister Dilip Walse-Patil on Tuesday said Naxal movement is against the system and if they are appealing to others to participate in their movement then it is tantamount to challenging the country's system or posing a threat. He said in the democracy all issues are being resolved through the constitution, the government and the courts.

Walse-Patil’s comment came days after Naxal activists in a letter reportedly called upon Maratha youths to join their movement in order to resolve their long pending issues. The Maoists have extended their support to the agitation demanding quota for the Maratha community.

Walse-Patil made the statement on the eve of launch of state-wide agitation by Chhatrapati Sambhajiraje, who is a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, for the restoration of 12% quota in education and 13% in government jobs.

Sambhajiraje had appealed to the Naxals to join the mainstream.

Naxals in a letter said, ‘’A handful of brokers and capitalists in the Maratha community are responsible for the decline of the Maratha community. They should know their real enemy. Turn your organized force into a revolution. We are with you and waiting for you.’’

The letter signed by Sahyadri, the secretary of CPI (Maoist) gave the example of Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji who fought for his Swarajya. It urged the youth to be real soldiers of the great warrior who used guerrilla war techniques to fulfil their aims.