Naxalism

Syllabus: Internal Security

Source:  TH

Context: Union Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated the commitment to eliminate Naxalism from Chhattisgarh by 2026.

What is Naxalism?

• Definition: Naxalism is a form of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) that aims to overthrow the state using violent means, inspired by Maoist ideology.
• Origin: Began in Naxalbari village, West Bengal, in 1967 as a tribal-peasant uprising.
• Ideology: Driven by Marxist-Leninist principles, with a focus on addressing issues like land reforms and exploitation.
• Objective: Establish a People’s Democratic Republic through armed insurgency.
• Affected Regions: Mainly impacts the Red Corridor – states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Bihar.

Evolution of Naxalism in India:

• 1967 (First Stage): Peasant uprising in Naxalbari, West Bengal, led by Charu Majumdar, Kanu Sanyal, and Jangal Santhal.
• 1975-2004: Groups fragmented; People’s War Group (PWG) in Andhra Pradesh and MCCI in Bihar strengthened.
• 2004 Onwards: PWG and MCCI merged to form CPI (Maoist), consolidating the Naxal movement.
• Spread of Red Corridor: Expansion into states like Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, and forays into southern states.
• Current Status: Naxal violence reduced by 47% (2015-2020) but remains concentrated in core regions.

Types of Naxalism:

• Rural Naxalism: Dominant in forested and tribal regions; targets government symbols and infrastructure.
• Urban Naxalism: Maoist infiltration in urban centres to radicalize intellectuals, students, and labour groups.

Reasons Behind Naxalism:

1. Economic Inequality: Unequal distribution of land and lack of employment opportunities for marginalized communities.
2. Exploitation of Tribals: Displacement of tribals due to mining, deforestation, and lack of forest rights.
3. Lack of Development: Absence of infrastructure like roads, schools, healthcare, and clean water.
4. Governance Deficit: Weak local governance, corruption, and failure to implement welfare schemes.
5. Political Marginalization: Exclusion of Dalits, Adivasis, and landless peasants from political participation.

Government initiatives to counter Naxalism:

1. Security Operations: Deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and anti-Naxal units like Greyhounds and Bastariya Battalion.
2. Development Programs: Initiatives like Road Connectivity Project, Aspirational Districts Program, and ROSHNI Scheme.
3. Rehabilitation Policies: Surrender and rehabilitation programs to reintegrate former Naxals into society.
4. Intelligence Strengthening: Multi-Agency Centers (MACs) and UAV surveillance for real-time intelligence sharing.
5. Skill Development: Programs like Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) to provide employment opportunities.

Challenges to Counter Naxalism:

1. Terrain Complexity: Naxals exploit remote forests and inaccessible areas for guerrilla warfare.
2. Inadequate Coordination: Poor inter-state coordination among security forces and agencies.
3. Lack of Intelligence: Inadequate actionable intelligence and reliance on outdated technology.
4. Social Support Base: Strong Naxal influence among marginalized tribals and landless farmers.
5. Urban Maoism: Growing infiltration into intellectual and urban circles, complicating countermeasures.

Way ahead to tackle naxalism in India:

1. Holistic Development: Focus on roads, education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities in affected regions.
2. Improved Governance: Address governance deficits with transparent implementation of welfare schemes.
3. Community Engagement: Win trust through tribal empowerment, forest rights, and inclusive policies.
4. Modernized Security Forces: Equip forces with advanced technology, better training, and intelligence tools.
5. Peace Dialogues: Open channels for political dialogue to reintegrate Naxals into the mainstream society.

Conclusion:

As Karl Marx aptly said, “The philosophers have only interpreted the world, in various ways; the point, however, is to change it.” Tackling Naxalism requires a balanced approach of security measures, development, and inclusive governance to end decades of unrest and ensure lasting peace.

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