-PTI Terming mining as the "greatest threat" faced by the tribal community in last two decades, Tribal Affairs Minister Kishore Chandra Deo has asked the youths selected under an ambitious programme to create awareness among the forest dwellers about their constitutional rights over the land.  "Today the greatest threat that has come to the tribals and people living in forest areas is actually the threat of mining," the Minister told the youths...

-CNN-IBN A Jaipur court is likely to hear a case against spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The Art of Living founder had alleged that government schools were breeding grounds for naxalism. The petitioner wants the court to direct the police to lodge an FIR against the spiritual leader. "It's often seen that boys from Government schools are into naxalism and violence. Those from the private education system are not into these...

-The Hindustan Times Home minister RR Patil on Friday told the Legislative Council that the state was planning a special tribal battalion of the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) to tackle the naxals in the state. He added that many young police officers were hesitant to work in the tribal areas and there was a need to raise a force comprising those who knew the terrain and belonged to the area. “We...

-The Economic Times   An embarrassing goof-up by the Delhi Police saw a Delhi court to discharge top CPI(Maoist) leader Kobad Ghandy on Tuesday of charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), even as it framed charges against him under IPC provisions relating to cheating, forgery and impersonation. The failure of the Delhi Police to get mandatory clearance from a UAPA review committee constituted by the relevant sanctioning authority - the Delhi...

Maoists have demanded release of Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangh (CMAS) activists in exchange for Laxmipur MLA Jhina Hikaka. While the CMAS is believed to be a Maoist front fighting for tribal land rights in Orissa’s naxal belt, at the heart of its rise lie allegations of strong-arm tactics by security forces. The tarred roads that snake up the hills on way to Narayanpatna block in Koraput district are smooth but treacherous....