MAOISM

  • Recent encounter in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh resulted in the killing of 31 Maoist cadres, marking a significant blow to the armed Maoist movement.
  • This encounter follows a similar operation in the same district a week prior, where eight Maoists were killed.
  • The security operations align with the Central government’s goal to “end Naxalism” by 2026.
  • Maoist violence has seen a dramatic decline, dropping by 77% from 2009 to 2021, with incidents of left-wing extremism decreasing from 2,258 to 509.

What is Maoism?

  • About:
    • Maoism is a form of communism developed by Mao Tse Tung, focused on capturing state power through armed insurgency, mass mobilization, and strategic alliances.
    • The concept of ‘Protracted People’s War’ emphasizes military action to seize power.
  • Maoist Ideology:
    • Central theme: Use of violence and armed insurrection to capture state power.
    • ‘Bearing of arms is non-negotiable’ as per Maoist doctrine.
  • Indian Maoists:
    • The largest Maoist formation in India is the Communist Party of India (Maoist), formed in 2004.
    • CPI (Maoist) and its front organizations were banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
    • Front organizations: Offshoots of the parent party to evade legal liability.

Three-Pronged Strategy to Eliminate Maoist Insurgency:

  • Security Measures (Force):
    • Strengthening the presence of Central and State forces in Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected areas.
    • Joint operations between state police and central armed forces like CRPF and COBRA.
    • Capacity building: Upgrading weapons, communication systems, and infrastructure.
    • Operation SAMADHAN: Focused approach on intelligence gathering, operational strategy, and development.
  • Development Initiatives:
    • Focused development schemes, e.g., PMGSY (rural road connectivity), Aspirational Districts Programme, and Skill Development in LWE areas.
    • Special infrastructure schemes: Roads, bridges, and schools in remote areas.
    • Better governance: Local personnel recruitment for administrative efficiency.
  • Empowerment (Winning Hearts and Minds):
    • Public engagement to build trust between the government and tribal communities.
    • Rehabilitation policies for Maoist cadres, offering incentives like education and vocational training.
    • Addressing grievances: Ensuring fair land acquisition and protecting tribal rights.

Challenges in Eliminating Maoist Insurgency:

  • Exploitation and Oppression:
    • Tribals and Dalits, the core base of Maoists, have faced historic marginalization.
    • Adivasis are further alienated by the feudal system, caste hierarchy, and restrictive laws like the Forest Conservation Act, 1980.
  • Lack of Development:
    • Interior areas suffer from poor infrastructure, and development is stalled due to governance issues and poor implementation, despite substantial funding.
  • Centralized Maoist Command:
    • CPI (Maoist) operates under a centralized command structure, while the government’s fragmented response allows Maoists to use areas like Abhujmadh as logistical bases.
  • Access to Rich Resources:
    • Naxal-affected tribal areas hold 80% of India’s coal reserves and nearly 19% of other mineral resources, providing Maoists with additional leverage and economic incentives.
  • Trust Deficit:
    • Alienation of locals is exacerbated by ineffective governance, non-implementation of constitutional provisions (like the Fifth and Ninth Schedules), and displacement without proper rehabilitation.

Recent Achievements in Eliminating Maoist Insurgency:

  • Maoist-Free Villages:
    • In 2023, 287 Naxalites neutralized, ~1,000 arrested, and 837 surrendered in Chhattisgarh.
    • Over 15 villages in Dantewada declared ‘Maoist-free’ by 2021.
  • Low Security Forces’ Casualties:
    • 14 security personnel deaths in 2024, a significant drop from 198 deaths in 2007.
  • Winning Hearts and Minds:
    • Maoists facing setbacks due to waning support from tribal communities.
  • Enhanced Security Measures:
    • Deployment of 12 helicopters for operational support, reducing casualties.
    • Construction of 544 fortified police stations between 2014 and 2024.
  • Special Central Assistance:
    • Rs 14,367 crore approved for infrastructure development in affected regions, with Rs 12,000 crore spent.

Way Forward:

  • Governance Reforms:
    • Constitute Tribal Advisory Councils as required by the Fifth Schedule to empower tribals in managing their resources.
    • Implement Land Ceiling Acts (Ninth Schedule) to redistribute land to the landless.
  • Economic Development:
    • Focus on aggressive and inclusive development initiatives that address basic human needs.
    • Provide alternative livelihoods to reduce dependence on illegal activities such as opium cultivation.
  • Security Measures:
    • Deploy specialized paramilitary forces to secure tribal areas while empowering local governance structures.
  • Resource Management:
    • Ensure sustainable and equitable exploitation of natural resources, with tribals actively involved as stakeholders in the process.

Leave a Reply