Sansad TV: Victory Over Left - Wing Extremism Imminent | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Causes

Political Factors

• One of the main reasons for such uprisings is the political system's indifference and lack of concern towards tribal communities.
• The Indian political authority has failed to uplift the underprivileged sections of society in the affected states.
• Tribal communities have low political participation.

Economic Factors

• The regions affected by Naxalism suffer from poverty, economic inequality, and underdevelopment.
• Mining companies entering tribal lands and forests pose a threat to the livelihood of the tribals.
• The indigenous tribal population has been deprived of their lands and traditional sources of livelihood.
• Tribals do not receive the benefits of resource exploitation.

Environmental Degradation

• Mining and industrial activities have led to the destruction of land and water resources, causing environmental degradation.

Lack of basic facilities

• The lack of essential amenities such as education, freedom, sanitation, and food.
• The socially disadvantaged tribals, who face inequality, illiteracy, and limited opportunities, provide significant support to the Naxalites.

Reasons for the challenges faced by CRPF in the fight against Naxals

• The absence of a unified plan across states.
• Lack of coordination between state police and Central forces.
• Inadequate training and combat capabilities of forces in states affected by Maoism.
• Insufficient sharing of intelligence between states and regions.
• Naxalites have a strong advantage in armed struggle due to their familiarity with the terrain.

Government's approach

• Operation Green Hunt, initiated in 2010, involved a massive deployment of security forces in Naxal-affected areas. The number of affected districts reduced from 223 in 2010 to 90 in nine years.
• Aspirational Districts Programme.
• The government aims to address Left Wing Extremism comprehensively through security measures, development initiatives, safeguarding the rights of local communities, improving governance, and managing public perception.
• The responsibility for maintaining law and order primarily lies with the State Governments since "Police" and "Public Order" are subjects under their jurisdiction.
• Special Infrastructure Scheme to fill critical gaps in infrastructure in states affected by Left Wing Extremism.
• The "National Policy and Action Plan to address Left Wing Extremism" aims to eliminate this menace as quickly as possible.
• Implementation of an anti-Left Wing Extremism (LWE) policy to increase the deployment of central forces in Naxal-infested areas.

Ways to end Naxalism in India

• Good governance.
  • The existence of Naxals in the country highlights flaws in the law and order system, which has failed to control this menace.
  • The central government needs to implement a cohesive national strategy to eradicate Naxalism.
• Dialogue:
  • Engage in discussions between Naxal leaders and government officials to find a solution.
  • Initiate sincere dialogue with Naxalites.
• Promote employment and raise wages:
  • Address the issue of insecure livelihoods and unemployment that drive people to join the Naxals.
  • Provide proper employment opportunities with increased wages to prevent Naxalism.
• Rehabilitation and resettlement:
  • The displacement of people due to mining, irrigation, and industrial projects without adequate provision for resettlement exacerbates the hardships faced by the poor.
  • Greater emphasis should be placed on rehabilitating the affected population.
• Reduce disparity:
  • Economic inequality and the growing gap between the rich and the poor contribute to the rise of Naxalism.
  • Efforts must be made to bridge this gap to combat Naxalism effectively.
• Improve the welfare of tribals:
  • The socially disadvantaged tribals form a significant support base for Naxalites due to inequality, illiteracy, and limited opportunities.
  • Preventing these people from falling into the Naxal trap is crucial.
• Modernize law enforcement agencies:
  • Policing responsibilities primarily rest with state governments, while several federal agencies operate under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
  • The central government should support the state agencies by equipping them with modern tools and providing assistance in the disturbed states.

Need of the Hour:

• Both the Central and State governments, along with the administration and security forces, should recognize that addressing the Naxal movement requires more than just law enforcement.
• Efforts to improve the conditions of the poor and tribal populations must be accelerated to effectively combat the movement.
• Winning the trust and support of tribal populations and other marginalized groups is key to the counter-insurgency strategy.
• Providing incentives and alternative livelihood opportunities to those who surrender to the authorities.

Conclusion:

• By adopting a holistic approach that focuses on development and security measures, the problem of Left Wing Extremism can be effectively tackled.
• An ideology based on violence and destruction is bound to fail in a democratic system that offers legitimate channels for addressing grievances.