India is a poor super power: Arundhati Roy

Eminent writer and social activist Arundhati Roy on Saturday alleged India is witnessing a war within itself since independence and is actually a poor super power. "Since the country gained independence there have been wars against tribals, dalits and others in several parts of the country leading to violation of human rights," she said.

"Now people are struggling for human rights more than justice," Roy told a conference "Attack on Life, Liberty and Democratic Rights by the State" in Jaipur.

"Cases of police atrocities on dalits and tribals are increasing," she said terming Indian as a "poor super power".

"Our elite say we are a super power. Twenty five per cent of country's total wealth is with a hundred people and they say it is development.

"Tribal land is being acquired for industrialisation and the voice of tribals is suppressed if they protest. Is it a development?" asked Roy.

Full report here Hindustan Times