No proof of China supporting Maoists: Chidambaram

The government does not have any evidence of the outlawed Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) getting monetary or other support from any international agency or military organization including China. This was informed by Home Minister P. Chidambaram in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. Amidst allegations of the Maoists rebels getting China’s support, the Government on Wednesday said it has no evidence of China lending support to Maoists. He said the government also did not have any information on Maoists receiving any support from anti-national forces. Chidambaram, however, said the government was keeping a watch and would take action with the help of friendly countries if such reports are confirmed. He said Maoists are generating funds internally through extortion and by looting banks. They are also smuggling arms through borders along Bangladesh and Myanmar. To a supplementary that Maoists carry out money laundering and even Interpol and audit firm KPMG have given estimates that it has reached large proportions, Chidambaram said those figures were exaggerated. The home minister said the Maoists get weapons smuggled through the Bangladesh and Myanmar borders. He also said that the government will look into the matter and will take action against those found guilty. The Home Minister also said there is a mechanism to monitor use of money under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act 1976. He informed the House that the Act is proposed to be replaced by a new one which will incorporate provisions for greater transparency and accountability. The regulatory mechanism would also get further strengthened. The minister said government has taken action in 100 cases where the Act was violated. There have been allegations that the Maoists are getting help from China and some other countries.

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