Shibu Soren supports Maoists, says Maoism a ‘people’s movement’

KOLKATA - Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren has termed the Maoist movement as a people’s movement and said that he supports the rebel’s cause.

“I will certainly not support the killings but I support the (Maoist) movement. It is people’s movement. Even I have led a movement. There are people in favour of the movement and also against it, all this keeps happening,” Soren said addressing a press conference here on Wednesday.

“The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha has been fighting for the rights of the tribals. Our party supports anyone fighting for this cause. But certainly, the killing of innocent people can’t be the solution,” he added.

Asked whether deployment of joint forces was causing problems to tribals, Soren said: “If the government thinks the force is necessary to restore law and order then none should question it. But at the same time it should be seen that the force is not used for the benefit of some party.”

Jharkhand Deputy Chief Minister Hemant Soren has said that he was in favour of withdrawing the Central forces from the Naxal-hit areas.

“We have information that the Central forces are helping a political force to control the area,” he added. (ANI)