India
“If Giridih Falls First, Gurgaon Will Fall Next”
During a recent trip to a Maoist base in Dandakaranya, Rahul Pandita had left a questionnaire for Maoist Supreme Commander Mupalla Laxman Rao alias Ganapathi, who had given him exclusive access last year for an interview (see ‘We Shall Certainly Defeat the Government’, 23 October 2009), his first ever. This time, Ganapathi has sent his replies in writing, covering a vast range of issues from Maoist leader Azad’s death and Rahul Gandhi’s role in Vedanta’s Niyamgiri project, to Maoist violence, their push into urban spaces, middle-class fears of their agenda, and chances of talks with the Centre. Excerpts:
16 November 2010
Books
Writing the Revolution
When it comes to Naxal literature, the outsider’s gaze inevitably seems touristy and impatient. Turn to the accounts of insiders for the real thing
03 November 2010
India
100lb Guerillas
Slightly built they may be, but you’d be a fool to take them lightly. Battle-hardened, fiercely committed to their cause and proud of the identity the movement gives them, the woman Maoists here are every bit as fierce as their male comrades.
16 September 2010
India
About a Man Who Threw a Shoe
Abdul Ahad Jan, who flung a shoe at J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, is believed to be like many other shoe-throwers—sane and honest.
20 August 2010
India
The Farce of Talks
What has New Delhi achieved in 60 rounds of talks with the Naga insurgent group NSCN-IM?
06 August 2010