April 18 : The Maoist violence in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada district and the liquidation of “A” Company of the Central Reserve Police Force’s (CRPF) 62nd Battalion is a national tragedy. It brings home the reality of internal security threats to the state. We could continue debating the issue and blame everything on the “inaction” of the past, but the reality is that we live in the present and must  for the future.

I have with me the roll of honour of the 62nd Battalion of the CRPF — Zamirul Hasan, Shardev Singh, B.K. Sharma, Brijesh Kumar Tiwari, Rakesh Kumar, Ved Pal, Bhupender Kumar, Awadesh Yadav, Satrajeet Ram, Manak Chand Sharma… the list goes on. What can one say in these situations? The human tragedy is beyond words, especially since the soldiers killed were in the category of the aam aadmi. As the media, both electronic and print, brings home the reality of the situation, we as a nation, sadly, seem to be insensitive to this loss of life. This situation cannot be allowed to continue for very long and we cannot drift from one crisis to another. As the number of casualties, both in the security forces and in the public, continues to rise, compensation in terms of cash, allotment of gas agencies and jobs are very poor compensation. What is really required is retribution and justice.
There will be several debates with human rights groups and others on several issues concerning the tribal population, especially their land and mineral rights, and the government’s corruption and indifference. Despite the fact that their demands may be right and their anger righteous, no individual or a group, has the right to resort to violence and murder. All tribal men and women are not Maoists but are caught in the crossfire between the security forces representing the Centre and the state which, over the years, has abrogated their right to govern and develop the forest area. And the Maoists, who have filled the empty power space, run a parallel government which collects, or extorts, money for the services rendered by them.
There is no simplistic solution to this situation as every political issue is not always in black or white — often there is a large “grey” area.

Our economy continues to grow and in the past decade we have generated wealth at record levels, which has resulted in many changes. Whilst many of these are positive, there are some negatives that need urgent attention. The economic boom has escalated the prices of land in both urban and rural areas, which in turn has generated an unprecedented “cash” flow that is beyond the tax net. This money is contributing a great deal to increased criminal activities and our political system is not immune to this. Look at the cost of elections — the amount of funds various political parties or individuals receive and spend is beyond the control of political leaders and the system within the party.
The Madhu Koda scam is over Rs 4,000 crores in Jharkhand alone and besides politicians it seems to involve almost everyone in the state administration. Has the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) achieved any real breakthrough in the past year? I wonder if it can put the entire administrative system in the state in prison? We look for simplistic solutions and expect miracles but can we fight a system that compromises the best political talent we have even before they start their political careers? The cost of a general election today would be between Rs 1.5 to 2 crores per candidate (conservative estimate). How many people can afford this without assistance from outside? What are the options before the political parties?
Money is being generated and increased criminality will be evident. Look at the Maoist-infected areas where from illegal trade in minerals and other forest produce is often reported. Can this happen without the support and cooperation of the power bases in the state? No solution, on a long-term basis, is possible unless the issue of political funds become transparent and is made accountable to the party system and the law of the land. It’s a pity that one per cent rogue elements are holding 99 per cent of the political system to ransom. And political authority, both at the Centre and in the states, just does not have the nerve to deal with this situation.

THE Third season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is in full swing and is a great commercial success. The controversy surrounding the IPL Kochi franchisee is an ideal opportunity for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the IPL to ensure greater transparency. I cannot understand the logic of either BCCI president Shashank Manohar or the Kochi team complaining about the “confidentiality” clause or the fact that the identity of those investing in IPL could be concealed. As per media reports, the Kochi team owners have much to explain about their financial affairs. We are well aware of tax havens and the fact that US and the Western world is literally fighting a battle to dislodge the tax havens so as to stop tax evasion. Many dubious people are using these havens to fund illegal activities, which includes pedalling drugs and terror.
At this juncture it is unlikely that this affair will be lost in a political battle. Investigations by government agencies have already been initiated in all financial and other aspects of IPL Kochi and all affairs linked to IPL commissioner Lalit Modi. And clearly further action will be taken on minister of state for external affairs Shashi Tharoor.  All those concerned with the BCCI/IPL will come under public scrutiny — this will cut across party lines and will be good for cricket.

By Arun Nehru
Arun Nehru is a former Union minister