Tag: 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.

Tag: MAOISM

MAOISM

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