Question - Naxalism is a social, economical and developmental issue manifesting as a violent internal security threat. In this context discuss the emerging issues and suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of naxalism. UPSC CSE Main 2022 GS Paper 3
Naxalism is a term used to describe the armed insurgency by the far-left radical groups, mainly the Communist Party of India (Maoist), who seek to overthrow the Indian state and establish a "people's democracy" based on Maoist ideology. Naxalism is considered to be one of the most serious internal security threats in India, as it affects about 90 districts across 11 states, especially in the central and eastern regions.
Some of the emerging issues related to naxalism are:
Changing tactics and strategies: The naxals have been adapting their tactics and strategies to counter the security forces and exploit the vulnerabilities of the state. They have been using improvised explosive devices (IEDs), ambushes, snipers, human shields, propaganda, urban networks, front organisations, cyber warfare etc.
Expanding areas of influence: The naxals have been expanding their areas of influence by forming new zones, divisions and committees, and by forging alliances with other insurgent groups, such as the Northeastern rebels and the Kashmiri militants. They have also been trying to infiltrate into new states, such as Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat.
Exploiting socio-economic grievances: The naxals have been exploiting the socio-economic grievances of the marginalised sections of society, such as the tribals, dalits, landless labourers and women. They have been portraying themselves as the champions of their rights and interests, and mobilising them against the state and its policies.
Challenging development initiatives: The naxals have been challenging the development initiatives of the state and its agencies, such as road construction, electrification, mining, education, health etc. They have been opposing these initiatives as anti-people and pro-corporate, and sabotaging them by attacking workers, contractors, officials and infrastructure.
To tackle the menace of naxalism, a multilayered strategy is required that involves various aspects, such as:
Security operations: Security operations are necessary to contain and eliminate the naxal violence and restore the rule of law in the affected areas. Security operations should involve coordinated and intelligence-based actions by the central and state forces, with adequate equipment, training and resources. Security operations should also respect human rights and avoid collateral damage.
Development interventions: Development interventions are essential to address the root causes of naxalism and improve the socio-economic conditions of the affected people. Development interventions should involve inclusive and participatory planning and implementation of various schemes and projects related to infrastructure, livelihoods, education, health etc. Development interventions should also ensure transparency and accountability in governance.
Political dialogue: Political dialogue is important to resolve the ideological and political differences between the state and the naxals, and to bring them into the mainstream of democracy. Political dialogue should involve sincere and constructive engagement by both sides, with a willingness to compromise and accommodate. Political dialogue should also involve civil society actors, such as NGOs, media, academics etc.
Public awareness: Public awareness is crucial to counter the propaganda and misinformation spread by the naxals among the masses. Public awareness should involve effective communication and dissemination of factual information about the state's policies and programmes, as well as the atrocities and crimes committed by the naxals. Public awareness should also involve building trust and confidence between the state and the people.
These are some of the emerging issues and a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of naxalism.