The Maharashtra government has tabled a bill, the Maharashtra Special Public Security Act, 2024, which empowers the state to label any group as illegal by notification in the official Gazette.
Urban Naxalism
About: The term “urban naxals” is loosely applied to individuals in urban areas who support and promote Naxalite ideology through activism and advocacy, while active naxals engage in combat in the jungles and extensive Maoist-controlled regions.
Origin of Naxalism in India
- Term: The term ‘Naxalism’ derives its name from the village Naxalbari of West Bengal.
- Development in India: Naxalism in India emerged as a breakaway faction from the Communist Party of India (Marxist), where a small group of party members separated to launch an armed struggle against large landowners and the establishment.
- The rebellion, initiated in 1967 under the leadership of Charu Majumdar, Kanu Sanyal and Jagan Santhal, aimed to redistribute land to working peasants.
- Spread of the Naxalite Movement: Originating in West Bengal, the movement has since spread across Eastern India, particularly in less developed regions of states like Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.
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- Origin: The term ‘Urban Naxals’, which has gained currency since 2018, was first used to describe anti-establishment protesters and other dissenters in the wake of the crackdown on left-wingers and other liberals embroiled in the Elgaar Parishad case in Maharashtra.
- It is one of the two ongoing investigations related to the Bhima Koregaon violence of January 1, 2018.
- Controversy regarding the term: Some view it as a derogatory label used to stifle dissent, while others consider it a valid description of those who support Naxalite ideology in urban settings
- Manifestation of Naxalite Ideology in Urban Settings: Some of the forms of manifestation include publishing articles and books and organising seminars to propagate their ideology and criticise state policies, radicalising students, establishing a network of sympathisers,acts of sabotage, targeted violence, or symbolic attacks to disrupt state functioning, etc.
- Naxalism’s Urban Spread: A Growing Concern: Naxalism extends beyond remote areas into urban centres through Naxal frontal organisations.
- These frontal organisations/groups provide logistical support and safe havens for armed cadres.
- Urban areas face mounting challenges from the expanding influence of Naxal fronts.
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Ideological Background
- Ideology rooted in: The Naxalite/Maoist ideology is rooted in Marxism, Leninism, and Maoism, advocating for a revolutionary overthrow of the existing state structure through armed struggle.
- It is considered that Naxals support Maoist political sentiments and ideology.
- Maoism: Maoism is a form of communism developed by Mao Tse Tung. It is a doctrine of capturing State power through a combination of armed insurgency, mass mobilisation, and strategic alliances.
- Key tenets include:
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- Class Struggle: Emphasis on the conflict between the proletariat (working class) and the bourgeoisie (capitalist class). The ultimate goal is to establish a classless society.
- Anti-State Sentiment: The state is viewed as an instrument of bourgeois oppression. Therefore, dismantling the current state structure is essential for achieving true democracy and social justice.
- Self-Reliance and Guerrilla Warfare: Promotes self-sufficient, decentralised communes and the use of guerrilla tactics to combat state forces, primarily operating from rural and forested regions.
Maharashtra Special Public Security Act, 2024
- Objectives: Aim to address the growing menace of Naxalism in urban areas.
- Some Key Provisions of the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill
- Definition of Organisation: According to the draft bill, ‘organisation’ is defined as any group of individuals, whether identified by a specific name or not, and regardless of whether they operate under a formal written constitution or not.
- Definition of Unlawful Activity: The bill broadly defines “unlawful activity” to include actions that threaten public order, peace, and tranquillity or interfere with the administration of law and established institutions.
- It encompasses indulging in or promoting violence, vandalism, or acts causing public fear and apprehension.
- Additionally, it covers activities that encourage disobedience to established laws and authorities, aiming to maintain societal harmony and prevent disturbances to public order.
- Seizure of Assets: The draft bill allows the state to seize movable property, including money, securities, and other assets within premises.
- This law allows police to check premises for literature related to “urban Naxalism.” If found, such literature can be seized.
- Confiscated assets can be forfeited to the government if the District Magistrate or Commissioner of Police believes they could support unlawful organisation activities.
- Non-bailable offences: All offences under this law will be cognizable and non-bailable and will be investigated by a police officer, not below the rank of a Sub-Inspector.
Enactment of similar Acts in Other States
- Public Security Acts: Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha have implemented Public Security Acts to prevent unlawful activities by organisations.
- Banning of Frontal Organisations: These states have collectively banned 48 frontal organisations associated with these activities.
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Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Recommendations
- Urges Maoist-affected states to enact legislation to curb unlawful activities and provides guidelines for security-related expenditure.
Criticism against the Maharashtra Special Public Security Act, 2024
- Broad Definitions: Critics argue that “organisation” and “unlawful activity” are overly broad and vague, potentially allowing for arbitrary or politically motivated targeting of individuals and groups.
- Impact on Dissent: There are fears that the act could stifle dissent and legitimate forms of protest by categorising them as unlawful activities.
- The vague drafting suggests it intends to instil fear among human rights activists and restrict their activities, potentially targeting any citizen advocating for systemic change.
- Curtailment of freedom of Rights: The Bill is criticised for suppressing freedom of speech and expression and hindering non-violent protests against oppression.
- Overlapping Provisions: Critics argue that its provisions largely overlap with existing laws like the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, National Security Act, and Public Safety Acts.
- Legal and Human Rights Concerns: There are concerns about potential violations of due process rights, including the right to a fair trial and protection against arbitrary detention.
Elgar Parishad Event and Battle of Koregaon Bhima
Elgar Parishad Event:
- Event: The Elgar Parishad was organised at the Shaniwarwada Fort in Pune to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Koregaon Bhima.
- It symbolised Dalit assertiveness, as it took place at the historical seat of authority of the Peshwas (de facto rulers of the Maratha Empire).
- Police claim that speeches made at Elgaar Parishad were at least partly responsible for instigating violence the next day.
- Several individuals, including activists and leaders, were prosecuted under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
- In the courts, the Pune police have claimed that the arrested activists had active links to the CPI(Maoist), which was engaged in destabilising the country and working against national security.
- The chargesheet alleges that the accused organised the Elgar Parishad through the Kabir Kala Manch (KKM) “frontal” organisation to incite communal disharmony. They reportedly performed provocative songs, short plays, and dances, distributed books, and circulated Naxal literature to exploit caste sentiments among Dalits and other groups across Maharashtra.
Battle of Koregaon Bhima:
- Context: The battle occurred during the Third Anglo-Maratha War.
- Opposing Forces:
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- British Army: Comprised mainly of Dalit soldiers.
- Peshwa Army: Dominated by the upper caste.
- Outcome: The British troops emerged victorious, defeating the Peshwa forces.
- Significance: The defeat of the Peshwa army was seen as a triumph against caste-based discrimination and oppression.
- Legacy: Babasaheb Ambedkar’s visit to the site on January 1, 1927, revitalised the memory of the battle for the Dalit community, making it a rallying point and an assertion of pride.
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Conclusion
The Maharashtra Urban Naxal Bill 2024 represents a contentious step towards addressing perceived threats of Naxalism in urban areas.
- Critics argue it risks infringing on civil liberties and stifling dissent, while proponents view it as necessary for maintaining public order and security in the state.
- Its implementation and impact will likely continue to spark debate over the balance between security measures and fundamental rights.
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July 13, 2024