Armed conflict between the Government and Maoists is reaching dangerous proportions in several parts of the country. In these conditions, the real issues that concern the people are relegated to the background- such as food security, land and forest rights, education, health and justice besides their multi-faceted exploitation. Citizens outside the affected areas are denied access to the region as a result of which no true picture about the plight of the local population is available. These need to be immediately addressed, which is only possible under conditions of peace and justice.