Context

Recently  in one of the largest operations by security forces in Chhattisgarh,29 Naxalites  have been killed in the Kanker area.

Introduction

Series of Blows to Maoist Insurgency: Recently, the insurgents suffered a series of blows from paramilitary and police forces, including the killing of at least 29 Maoists in the Bastar region in Chhattisgarh.

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Maoist Presence and Influence in India

Geographic Limitations: Limited to the jungles of central India and in places of sparse tribal presence.

Ideological Decline: The Maoists have been significantly diminished as a political-ideological force with few takers for their party’s ideology.

Geographic Challenges: Maoists operate in difficult hilly terrain, posing challenges for security forces.

Support from Discontented Tribals: Maoists have shown the ability to win over some discontented sections of the tribals affected by the civil war.’

The Beginning of Naxalism in India

The Naxalism movement in India was sparked by a rebellion in 1967 in West Bengal against local landlords by working peasants.

• The Leaders: Under the leadership of Kanu Sanyal and Jagan Santhal, the movement gained popularity.
• Expansion: From West Bengal, it spread to the less developed areas of states like Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.

Causes of Naxalism in India

• Tribal Issues:  The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 deprived tribals who depend on forest resources for their livelihood. There have been massive displacements due to mining operations and development projects.
• Easy targets for Maoists: People with no sources of living are taken into the ranks of naxalites. Maoists provide arms, ammunition and money to them
• Gaps in the system: Success in naxal-affected areas is measured by the number of violent attacks, rather than the development done. The absence of strong technical support is a major setback faced by security forces, while infrastructural problems
• No follow-up from administration: Even after clearing an area of naxal presence, the administration fails to provide essential services to its people.

Government’s Efforts to Counter Naxalism in India

Operation Green Hunt: Started in 2010, this aimed to minimize loss of human life by providing massive deployment of security forces in the affected regions.

Aspirational Districts Program, 2018: Launched in 2018, it aimed to rapidly transform districts that show progress.

Success of Government’s Efforts

• Central Committee Politburo Members:Either killed or arrested by the security forces. 
• Decrease in Frequency of Violent Attacks: Due to the government’s continuous efforts in minimizing human loss.

Red Corridor Shrinks: Steep Decline In Naxalism Violence

Geographic Scope: The Red Corridor encompasses the central, eastern, and southern regions of India, which are severely affected by Naxalite-Maoist insurgency.

Present Situation: There has been significant improvement in the LWE security situation in the country over the last five years.

• The year 2022 witnessed the lowest number of incidents of violence and deaths in Naxal-hit areas in the last four decades.

Significant Decline in 2022: Violent incidents in Naxal-affected States have decreased by 77% in 2022 compared to the peak observed in 2010.

Decrease in Affected Districts:  The number of districts affected by Naxalite-Maoist insurgency has dropped from 90 to 45.

Decrease in Casualties: The number of deaths of security forces and civilians in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) violence has reduced by 90% in 2022 compared to the peak observed in 2010 (98 in 2022 from 1005 in 2010).

Historical Perspective (2004-2014): Between 2004 and 2014, there were 17,679 LWE-related incidents and 6,984 deaths.

Recent Trends (2014-2023): In contrast, from 2014 to 2023 (until June 15, 2023), there have been 7,649 LWE-related incidents and 2,020 deaths.

Steps Still Needed

Innovative solutions: The government needs to find ways to locate armed groups in thick forests of the naxalism affected regions

Using local police: As they know the language and terrain of the region, they can be more effective than armed forces

Ensuring safety and development: Governments should focus not only on security but also on the all-round development of the region

Pitfalls in Tackling Naxalism

Confusion Over Tackling Naxalism: There has been a debate on whether naxalism should be seen as a social issue or as a security threat

State Governments: State governments consider naxalism as a central government issue and do not take many initiatives to fight it.

Effective Intelligence: There is still a need to enhance technical intelligence so as to fight naxalites more efficiently.

Distribution of Resources:  Naxal-affected areas are not developed and the government’s focus has been on military presence rather than Socio-Economic issues

Way Ahead to Counter Naxalite–Maoist Insurgency in India

Innovation: Need to develop innovate measures to tackle the menace of naxals.

State Governments: Should take the lead to fight naxals and take help from the central Government only if required.

Development and Security: Ensure the safety of the peace-loving people and finally work towards progress and development of the Naxal-affected regions.

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Conclusion

The government’s program must be founded on principles of social justice and inclusive growth.

Effective implementation of socio-economic reforms and addressing the issue of Naxalism can only be achieved through concerted efforts within the legal and political framework.

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