TheAcademy . 22/10/2024 4:18 PM
Introduction
Naxalism, a long-standing insurgent movement in India, continues to be a significant challenge to the country's internal security. Rooted in socio-economic disparities and political grievances, Naxalism, or Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), thrives in underdeveloped regions, particularly in India's central, eastern, and southern states. Despite a steady decline in violent incidents, recent encounters in Chhattisgarh and Assam have reignited concerns about the ongoing threat of Naxalism.
Chhattisgarh Encounter: In one of the largest anti-Naxal operations in Chhattisgarh, 29 Naxalites were killed in the Kanker area. The operation, involving 1,300-1,500 specialized jawans from the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Special Task Force (STF), was conducted in the challenging terrain of Abujhmad, a 4,000-square kilometer forest known as a stronghold for Maoist leaders. This 72-hour mission targeted senior cadres carrying bounties totaling over ₹1.30 crore. Among the dead were key figures such as Niti alias Urmila, a senior member of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC), along with other divisional committee members. The encounter marks a significant setback for the Maoist insurgency in the region.
Assam Ambush: Around the same time, another incident occurred in Assam’s Tinsukia district, where Naxalites ambushed three vehicles of the paramilitary Assam Rifles. Although the casualties were minimal compared to the Chhattisgarh operation, the attack underscores the persistence of Maoist activity in India's northeast.
Origin and Evolution: Naxalism derives its name from Naxalbari, a village in West Bengal, where the movement began in 1967 as a peasant revolt against oppressive landlords. Over time, the insurgency spread across Eastern India, finding strongholds in states like Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. Naxalites, also known as Maoists, aim to overthrow the Indian government through armed revolution, establishing a communist state inspired by Mao Zedong’s ideology.
Modus Operandi: Naxalite groups engage in guerrilla warfare, targeting security forces, government institutions, and infrastructure through ambushes, extortion, and propaganda. They maintain parallel governance in regions under their control, providing basic services and justice, often attracting support from marginalized communities like Adivasis and Dalits.
Despite these recent incidents, 2022 witnessed the lowest level of Naxalite violence in the last four decades. Violent incidents in Naxal-affected areas have decreased by 77% since 2010, and the number of districts affected by LWE has dropped from 90 to 45. The deaths of security personnel and civilians due to Naxal violence have also reduced by 90%, signaling the effectiveness of the government's counter-insurgency measures.
Socio-Economic Factors:
Poverty and Lack of Development: Naxalism flourishes in underdeveloped areas, especially among Adivasi and Dalit communities that face social exclusion and lack access to basic necessities.
Land Rights Disputes: Adivasis displaced by mining and development projects often turn to Naxalites, who position themselves as defenders of the marginalized.
Exploitation by Powerful Entities: Tribal communities, vulnerable to exploitation by landlords, moneylenders, and corporations, find solace in Naxalite ideology, which promises protection and justice.
Political Factors:
Weak Governance and Lack of Infrastructure: Naxalism thrives in areas with minimal government presence and poor infrastructure, making it easier for insurgents to operate.
Disillusionment with Democracy: Many Naxalites feel that democratic systems have failed to address their needs, leading them to pursue violent alternatives.
Lack of Coordination: The absence of a unified approach between state and central governments has often hampered efforts to curb Naxalism effectively.
Several initiatives have been launched to address the socio-economic and security challenges posed by Naxalism:
National Policy and Action Plan 2015: A comprehensive framework to address the LWE threat through both security and development measures.
SAMADHAN Initiative: A government strategy to tackle LWE through Security, Action Plan, Motivation, Area Domination, Development, and Action against Hardcore Naxalites.
Special Central Assistance (SCA): Provides additional funding for LWE-affected districts to fill critical gaps in public infrastructure and services.
Fortified Police Stations Scheme: 604 fortified police stations have been constructed in Naxal-hit areas to strengthen security.
Road Connectivity Project: Aims to improve road infrastructure in LWE-affected regions, enabling better access for security forces and economic development.
To effectively tackle Naxalism, a multi-pronged approach is required, focusing on both security and socio-economic development:
Targeted Security Operations: Intelligence-based security operations should continue, minimizing collateral damage and maintaining the trust of local communities.
Rehabilitation and Reintegration: The government should support former extremists who have renounced violence, providing them with education, employment, and psychosocial support.
Empowering Local Peace Ambassadors: Community leaders and NGOs should be engaged in promoting peace and addressing local grievances.
Socio-Economic Development: The government must invest in infrastructure, education, and healthcare in Naxal-affected areas to address the root causes of insurgency.
Ecological and Sustainable Development: Involving local communities in sustainable development projects can foster a sense of ownership and responsibility, reducing support for extremism.
While the recent successes in Chhattisgarh and Assam mark significant achievements in the fight against Naxalism, the movement remains a challenge to India's internal security. Addressing the socio-economic and political grievances that fuel Naxalism, alongside targeted security measures, is crucial to bringing lasting peace and development to affected regions.
