The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 23rd October 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Working toward a meaningful ‘victims’ register’ in Bastar 

Why in News?

On September 20, 2024, the Union Home Minister met 55 people affected by Naxalite violence from the left-wing extremism- hit areas of Chhattisgarh, as highlighted in a report in this daily, “Surrender arms and join mainstream, or face action, Amit Shah tells Naxals”

• Naxalism, also referred to as Left Wing Extremism (LWE) or Maoism, represents a form of armed resistance against the government that is influenced by leftist and Maoist ideologies.
• The Naxal movement in India started with a rebellion in Naxalbari, West Bengal, in 1967, led by the Communist Party of India (CPI) and based on Marxist principles.
• This group is made up of individuals who follow the political ideas of Mao Zedong, a Chinese leader known for his revolutionary thoughts.
• The most significant fighting associated with Naxalism occurs in the Eastern region of India, especially in an area called the Red Corridor. This corridor includes the states of Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh.

Data & Stats

• Counter-insurgency operations by the central government and affected states have significantly reduced violence linked to the Maoists.
• The Covid-19 pandemic and the national lockdown severely impacted the Maoists, disrupting their essential supplies for several months.
• As a result, incidents related to Left Wing Extremism (LWE) dropped by 47 percent from 2015 to 2020 compared to the previous six years from 2009 to 2014.
• Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand together account for 69.10% of all Naxal violence incidents in India.
• The number of districts affected by Naxal violence decreased from 96 in 2010 to 60 in 2018.
• Over the years, the LWE movement has been assessed to have affected 40 percent of India's land area and 35 percent of its population.
• In 2016, the Ministry of Home Affairs reported that 106 districts across 10 states—namely Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal—were heavily impacted by the LWE movement.

 Origin

•  In the three areas of Naxalbari, Phansidewa, and Khoribari located in the Darjeeling District of West Bengal, the Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) first emerged in 1967. 
•  The early uprising was led by key members of the Communist Party of India, including Charu Majumdar, Kanu Sanyal, and Jangal Santhal, who followed Marxist principles. 
•  The main form of this initial uprising was a peasant revolt, reflecting the struggles and grievances of farmers. 
•  In 1969, the Marxist-Leninist Communist Party of India was founded, continuing the movement's ideology. 
•  Although it started in West Bengal, the movement has spread to poorer rural areas of India, including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. 
•  Most of the current Naxal groups can be traced back to the CPI (M-L), showing the lasting impact of this original party. 

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF LWE AND MODUS OPERANDI OF THE NAXALISM            

•  The main goal is to overthrow the government through a people's war. 
•  It aims to create situations that lead to the government not functioning and actively works to disrupt development activities. 
•  The goal is to wrest control and spread fear among law-abiding citizens. 
•  The ultimate aim is to gain political power using violent methods and to establish a system they call the Indian People’s Democratic Federal Republic. 
•  They target symbols of the government, such as police stations and other official buildings. 
•  While disrupting development projects and questioning the authority of the state, the Naxalites also try to take advantage of the overall under-development. 
•  They attempt to fill the gap in governance by providing basic services to tribal communities. 

MAOISM

• Maoism is a type of communism created by Mao Tse Tung. 
•  It is a method aimed at taking control of the Stateby using a mix of: 
  • armed rebellion
  • mass mobilization
  • strategic partnerships
•  Maoists also use propaganda and disinformation against State institutions as part of their strategy. 
•  Mao referred to this approach as the ‘Protracted People’s War’. 
•  This method focuses on a ‘military line’ to seize power. 

CENTRAL THEME OF MAOIST IDEOLOGY             

•  The main idea of Maoist beliefs is that using violence and armed rebellion is essential to gain control of the government. 
•  According to Maoist views, the use of weapons is not open for discussion. 
•  Maoist ideology celebrates violent actions, and members of the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) are trained to carry out extreme acts of violence to instill fear in the communities they dominate. 
•  They often pretend to support the public by addressing issues related to the failures of the current system, convincing people that violence is the only way to solve their problems. 
•  Their primary strategy is to use violence to disrupt the government through various communist guerrilla groups. 

PHILOSOPHICAL BACKGROUND OF NAXALISM/MAOISM/LWE

•  The writings of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels laid the groundwork for violent movements. This ideology is known as Marxism or Communism. 
• Marxism promotes a violent class struggle aimed at getting rid of the capitalist bourgeoisie. 
•  In India, Naxalism is inspired by global communist movements and traces its roots back to the Russian Revolution, where Lenin defeated the Czar by merging a peasant uprising with armed conflict. 
•  These leftist ideologies argue that all social relationships and state systems in a capitalist society are naturally exploitative and that only a revolutionary change through violence can put an end to this exploitation. 
•  The Maoist ideology praises violence, making it essential to bear arms as part of their insurgency principle. 
• Naxalites are extreme left-wing communists who base their beliefs on the teachings of Mao Zedong. 
• Maoism focuses on the idea of a revolutionary struggle by the majority of people against the exploiting classes and their state systems. 

Key slogan of Maoists – “Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun”.

PHASES OF NAXALISM

• First: Focus on organizing and protecting regional base areas that are located in hard-to-reach and challenging environments. 
• Second: Gradual expansion that involves attacks on police stations, acts of sabotage, use of fear tactics, removal of individuals with different opinions, and obtaining weapons and supplies from the opponent. 
• Third: Defeating the enemy through traditional battles, including mobile warfare, long-term conflicts, negotiations, and coordinated command and control systems. 

EVOLUTION OF NAXALISM IN INDIA

• First Stage (1967-1975)
  • In 1967, a peasant uprising occurred in Naxalbari.
  • In 1969, the CPI (M) split, leading to the creation of the Communist Party (Marxist-Leninist) (CPI-ML) under Charu Majumdar.
  • The All India Coordination Committee Of Communist Revolutionaries (AICCCR) was established.
  • Charu Majumdar was arrested in 1972.
• Second Stage (1975-2004)
  • The movement continued using the “Strategy of Protracted War”.
  • In 1980, the CPI (ML) transformed into the People’s War Group.
  • During this period, the Maoist Communist Centre of India (MCCI) gained strength in Bihar.
• Third Stage (2004 onwards)
  • The People’s War Group merged with the Maoist Communist Centre of India to form the CPI (Maoist).
  • Since 2009, the CPI (Maoist) has been classified as a terrorist organization under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
  • The area where the CPI (Maoist) operates, including West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Telangana, is referred to as the ‘Red Corridor’.

RED CORRIDOR

• The Red Corridor is a region located in central, eastern, and southern India, where a significant Naxalite-Maoist insurgency is occurring. 
•  This area has a large population of tribal people, and many of the affected districts are among the poorest in India. 
•  There are serious social and economic inequalities in this region. 
•  The Corridor stretches approximately from the border with Nepal to the northern parts of Tamil Nadu. 
•  The literacy rate in this area is significantly lower than the national average. 

VARIOUS STRATEGIES USED BY NAXALITES TO SPREAD THEIR IDEOLOGY

• Redistribution of land resources; 
•  Ensuring minimum wages for workers on farms; 
•  Establishing a parallel government and implementing taxes and penalties; 
•  Operating alternative courts to handle disputes; 
• Destruction of government property and kidnapping of its officials; 
• Attacks on police and law enforcement agencies; 
•  Imposing its own social rules and conduct guidelines. 

REAL POSITION OF NAXALITE MOVEMENT

• The Maoists position themselves as defenders of the impoverished and marginalized, seeking allegiance and refuge from villagers. In contrast, government forces aim to garner public support by protecting these same villagers from Maoist threats.
• Activists in Maoist-affected regions often find themselves caught in the crossfire, facing hostility from both the insurgents and the state.
• The Indian Prime Minister has labeled the struggle against Maoist insurgents as India’s most significant internal security challenge.

Expansion of the Maoist Movement

Over the past few years, the Maoist movement has expanded its influence across nine states in central and eastern India. The Maoists maintain a strong presence in:

• Chhattisgarh
• Orissa
• Andhra Pradesh
• Maharashtra
• Jharkhand
• Bihar
• West Bengal

They have a lesser presence in Assam, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.

Maoist Ideology and Goals

The Maoists claim to defend the rights of marginalized groups, including the poor, landless, Dalits, and tribal communities. They advocate for a revolution aimed at radically transforming the social, political, and economic structures of society.

Government Response to the Maoist Challenge

In response to the Maoist threat, various state governments have launched security operations aimed at:

• Defeating the Maoist movement
• Protecting local residents
• Restoring law and order

State police forces often receive support from central government paramilitary forces. Joint operations by various state and national forces are common, aimed at preventing the Maoists from finding sanctuary in different states.

Due to the perceived inadequacy of state responses, the central government took the initiative in 2009 to coordinate security operations more effectively.

Guerrilla Warfare Tactics

The Maoists frequently employ guerrilla warfare tactics in their operations, contributing to the complexity and severity of the conflict.

The situation in Chhattisgarh, in particular, is seen as profoundly troubling and challenging for any reasonable observer.

CURRENT DEVELOPMENT:

Intellectual Support to Naxalism

• The support for Maoists has made it difficult to fight against them.
• The CPI (M) obtains weapons from several insurgent groups in the North-East, especially the RPF/PLA of Manipur and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM).
• Many of these groups have ties with foreign forces that are against India.
• The CPI (M) has shown support for various insurgent and terrorist groups, including those in Jammu and Kashmir.
• CPI (M) maintains close relationships with foreign Maoist organizations and arranges funding from abroad.
• The Coordination Committee of Maoist Parties and Organizations of South Asia (CCOMPOSA) is a group of different South Asian Maoist parties aimed at coordinating their actions, which often leads to instability.
• Prominent intellectuals like Arundhati Roy and Binayak Sen frequently support Naxalism, promoting ideas of equality, human rights, and tribal rights.
• Violence should not be justified in a democracy to achieve a good cause; intellectuals should encourage Naxals to avoid violence, participate in elections, integrate into society, and engage in democratic negotiations.

Urban Naxals

• Urban Naxals are often considered the "invisible enemies" of India, primarily consisting of urban intellectuals and activists.
• Historically, Maoists have focused on urban areas to find leaders, organize people, form alliances, and support military actions by providing personnel and resources.
• These Urban Naxals influence middle-class workers, intellectuals, and students with Maoist beliefs, inciting them against the government.
• The concept of Urban Naxals stems from the CPI (M)'s plan titled "Urban perspective: Our work in urban areas", which aims to mobilize urban workers and like-minded groups, creating divisions between the government and tribal communities.
• Urban Naxals are people in cities who support Naxalite ideas while active Naxals operate in rural, Maoist-dominated regions.
• The CPI-M has employed a systematic strategy to gather resources and achieve several goals through urban mobilization, taking advantage of anonymity:
  • Mobilizing masses and strengthening organizational structures in urban areas, targeting students, workers, and middle-class employees while addressing social issues like women's rights and the concerns of Dalits and religious minorities.
  • Creating a United Front by organizing various groups, including workers, students, and minorities, to extend their influence and reach.
  • Providing Legal Aid to support military tasks, where urban Naxals help recruit and send individuals to rural areas, complementing the military actions of CPI-M's armed wings.

FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR RISE OF NAXALISM

• Land-Related Factors
  • Ignoring land ceiling laws.
  • Presence of special land tenures that are exempt from these laws.
  • Powerful groups occupying government and community lands, including water bodies.
  • Landless poor lack ownership of the public land they farm.
  • The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 restricts tribals from using forest resources they depend on.
  • Large-scale displacement of tribal communities in areas affected by naxalism due to development projects and mining.
• Political Factors
  • The political system's indifference towards tribals has led to significant unrest.
  • Political authorities in India have failed to create opportunities for the upliftment of marginalized communities.
  • Tribal communities have limited political participation.
• Economic Factors
  • Poverty, economic disparity, and underdevelopment are prevalent in naxal-affected areas.
  • Uneven land distribution and economic growth.
  • Encroachment of forest lands by a nexus of contractors and politicians.
  • Mining companies entering tribal lands threaten the livelihoods of local tribals.
  • Indigenous populations have lost their lands and traditional livelihoods, exacerbated by globalization as MNCs exploit local resources without benefiting the tribes.
  • Tribal villages lack medical facilities, schools, and have high poverty and low literacy rates.
  • The grievances of tribals and dalits fuel support for the Naxalite movement.
• Environmental Degradation
  • Environmental harm caused by mining and industrial activities leading to destruction of land and water resources.
• Lack of Basic Facilities
  • Insufficient access to education, sanitation, food, and freedom.
  • Socially disadvantaged tribals often support Naxalites due to inequality, illiteracy, and lack of opportunities.
• Governance Deficit
  • Inadequate administrative routines.
  • Public personnel are often poorly trained and lack motivation.
  • Government schemes suffer from mismanagement and corruption.
  • Special laws are poorly implemented.
  • Electoral politics are distorted, leading to ineffective local government.
• Social Deficit
  • Human rights violations.
  • Disrespect for the dignity of life.
  • Disconnection from mainstream society.
  • Widespread discontent against the government.
• Development Deficit
  • Insufficient infrastructure.
  • Lack of health and education services.
  • Significant gender and income disparities.
• Jal-Jangal-Jameen (3Js)
  • Encroachment on government and community lands.
  • Failure to recognize traditional land rights.
  • Land acquisition without fair compensation and rehabilitation.
  • Ignoring ceiling laws.
  • Disruption of the historical relationship between tribes and forests.
• Issues of Agrarian Community
  • Maoists highlight farmer suicides in regions like Vidarbha and Andhra Pradesh, advocating for debt relief, restoration of farm subsidies, investment in irrigation, fair prices for crops, and a ban on multinational companies.

 ISSUES IN HANDLING LWE/NAXALISM

• Ignoring established Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) can sometimes lead to the loss of security personnel's lives.
• There are still some weaknesses present, such as poor planning, not enough manpower, and a lack of intelligence support.
• There are structural flaws, like having IPS officials in nearly all senior roles in the CRPF, while not utilizing the years of experience that existing Force members possess.
• The slow development of police forces is evident, with around 10,000 job vacancies in the state police of Chhattisgarh and 23 police stations that have not been set up.
• Money laundering is an issue, with Naxal leaders in Bihar and Jharkhand using extorted funds to buy movable and immovable properties.
• The current mine detection technology is ineffective at finding mines that are planted deep under the road.
• Working in difficult locations is challenging due to the tough terrain of deep forests and hilly areas.
• There is a delay in getting new technology; for instance, only 13 out of 157 authorized Mine Protected Vehicles (MPVs) have been delivered to the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) so far.
• The Central Police Forces cannot handle these issues alone because they lack knowledge of the terrain and do not speak the local language.

GOVERNMENT APPROACH TOWARDS NAXALISM IN THE COUNTRY

• The National Policy and Action Plan has been in effect since 2015, aiming to tackle left-wing extremism. This plan focuses on various aspects, including security, development, and protecting the rights of local communities.
• A key initiative under the 2017–20 Police Force Modernization Scheme includes efforts to improve infrastructurein regions affected by LWE:
  • The Road Requirement Plan-I (RRP-I) has been active since 2009, focusing on enhancing road connectivity in 34 districts across 8 states impacted by LWE.
  • The Road Connectivity Project for LWE affected areas (RRP-II) was approved in 2016 to further enhance road access in 44 districts across 9 states.
  • The LWE Mobile Tower Project aims to boost mobile network coverage in LWE zones.
  • Projects approved under the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) support mobile service expansions.
• The National Technical Research Organization (NTRO) supports security forces in anti-Naxal operations by providing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
• The ROSHNI Scheme, part of the Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana, aims to provide skill development linked to job placements for rural youth in 24 districts affected by LWE.
• A program for Skill Development in 34 districts impacted by LWE has been ongoing since 2011-12, focusing on establishing Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and Skill Development Centers.
• The Black Panther combat force is a specialized anti-Naxal unit created in Chhattisgarh, modeled after the Greyhounds unit from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
• The Bastariya Battalion is a newly formed unit of the CRPF, comprising over 534 tribal youth from four districts heavily affected by Naxalism, and includes a significant representation of women, following the government’s policy of 33% reservation for women.
• To monitor and restrict the financing of Naxalite activities, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has established multidisciplinary teams with officials from central agencies like the IB, NIA, CBI, ED, DRI, and state police.
• The Ministry of Home Affairs oversees the Aspirational Districts Programme, focusing on 35 districts affected by LWE.
• The government is also promoting employment initiatives through various schemes under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), which help people gain necessary skills for their livelihoods.
• The Surrender and Rehabilitation Programmes allow state governments to create their own policies, while the central government supports these efforts through the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme for LWE-affected states.
• To involve youth in education, the government has expanded successful educational and livelihood centers in the Dante Wada district to all districts, known as Livelihood Colleges.
• Other efforts include the effective implementation of development projects that concentrate on essential issues like water, land, and forest resources, which have been vital in making it harder for the LWE movement to recruit new members.

SAMADHAN STRATEGY

• S– Smart Leadership
• A– Aggressive Strategy
• M– Motivation and Training
• A– Actionable Intelligence
• D– Dashboard Based KPIs and KRAs
• H– Harnessing Technology
• A– Action plan for each Theatre
• N– No access to Financing

REASONS FOR THE REVERSALS FACED BY CRPF IN FIGHT AGAINST NAXALS

• Lack of a common plan among different states.
• There is a lack of coordination between state police and central forces.
• The training and combat skills of forces in areas affected by Maoism are inadequate.
• There is a need for modernized law enforcement agencies.
• Institutionalized intelligence sharing between states and regions is insufficient.
• Naxalites have a strong understanding of the terrain, giving them a significant advantage in armed conflict.
• The Naxals ambush CRPF troops at locations and times of their choosing, making it very difficult for the troops to defend themselves, despite their heroic efforts.

WAYS TO END NAXALISM IN INDIA

• Good governance
  • The presence of Naxals in the country highlights the weaknesses in the law and order system, which has struggled to tackle this issue.
  • The central government needs to create a clear national plan to eliminate Naxalism.
  • Engaging in discussions between Naxal leaders and government officials could lead to potential solutions.
  • The government should start genuine conversations with Naxalites.
• Job creation and increased wages
  • High unemployment and lack of secure livelihoods in these regions force people to join the Naxals.
  • If we truly want to end Naxalism, we must first provide decent job opportunities and raise wages for the locals.
• Resettlement and Rehabilitation programs
  • Mining sites, irrigation projects, and industries have been developed without proper plans for relocating those who are displaced, worsening the situation for the poor.
  • There should be a greater focus on rehabilitating the affected populations.
• Prevent environmental degradation
  • Mining and industrial activities are leading to environmental harm, damaging land and water resources.
  • This degradation disrupts local lives and negatively impacts tourism.
• Stop political marginalization
  • Weaker sections of society, such as Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, continue to face discrimination from the upper classes.
  • These marginalized groups do not have equal access to political participation, making them vulnerable to Naxal influence.
• Eliminate disparity among people
  • The growing economic gap between the rich and poor is a significant factor in the rise of Naxalism.
  • This gap needs to be addressed quickly to help reduce Naxalism.
• Access to resources by local people
  • One major cause of unrest is the exploitation of tribal lands and forests for industrial purposes.
  • The loss of land and the absence of basic services like education, healthcare, sanitation, and food is a major issue.
• Proper welfare steps for the tribals
  • Socially disadvantaged tribal communities often support Naxalites due to inequality, lack of education, and few opportunities.
  • It is crucial to prevent these individuals from being drawn into Naxal activities.
• Modernize and equip law enforcement agencies
  • Policing is mainly the responsibility of state governments.
  • At the federal level, many law enforcement agencies fall under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
  • The central government must support these troubled states with well-equipped agencies and modern resources to assist the often under-resourced state police.

WAY FORWARD: CONVERTING VICIOUS CYCLE INTO A VIRTUOUS CYCLE OF DEVELOPMENT

• Adopting effective methods used by the Chhattisgarh police, similar to the Greyhounds in Andhra Pradesh, has greatly helped in reducing Maoist activities.
• Chhattisgarh police are collaborating with neighboring states to enhance intelligence and increase their presence on the ground, utilizing their experience in dealing with Maoists in Bastar.
• It is essential to eliminate the feelings of alienation among tribal communities by addressing the root causes of their disconnection in the region.
• The focus should shift towards building roads, improving access for tribal members to political and administrative roles, and expanding the reach of government programs.
• Enhancing cooperative federalism: The central and state governments should maintain their coordinated efforts, with the Centre supporting state police forces in leading the initiatives.
• Implementing Forest Rights: There should be effective execution of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Rights) Act, 2006.
• Promoting financial empowerment: Initiatives should be introduced to support the creation of Self Help Groups (SHGs) and cooperative societies to improve access to credit and marketing for the disadvantaged.
• Accelerating infrastructure development: Large infrastructure projects, especially road networks that face opposition from extremists, should be handled by specialized government agencies like the Border Roads Organisation instead of local contractors.
• Utilizing technology: Employ tools such as mini-UAVs, high-resolution PTZ cameras, GPS tracking, handheld thermal imaging, and satellite imaging to reduce risks to the lives of security personnel.
• Breaking the financial support for extremism: The relationship between illegal mining, forest contractors, transporters, and extremists must be disrupted by establishing a special anti-extortion and anti-money laundering unit within the state police.
• Raising awareness through media: Media support is crucial to change the public's sympathetic view of Maoists, dispel fears instilled by Naxalites, and build confidence that the state is supportive of the people.
• Opening channels for political dialogue: Given the weakened state of the rebels and low confidence levels, now is an ideal time to initiate peace talks. This will boost confidence among tribal communities, enabling them to discuss their issues with the government.
• Implementing various schemes for discontented tribes: Special attention is needed to ensure the proper execution of constitutional and legal protections, development programs, and land reforms to address grievances among those susceptible to violent leftist propaganda.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS     

1. What are the determinants of left-wing extremism in Eastern part of India? What strategy should the Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas? 2020
2. Left Wing Extremism (LWE) is showing a downward trend, but still affects many parts of the country. Briefly explain the Government of India’s approach to counter the challenges posed by LWE. 2018
3. The persisting drives of the government for development of large industries in backward areas have resulted in isolating the tribal population and the farmers who face multiple displacements with Malkangiri and Naxalbari foci, discuss the corrective strategies needed to win the left-wing extremism (LWE) doctrine affected citizens back into the mainstream of social and economic growth.2015
4. Article 244 of Indian Constitution relates to Administration of Scheduled areas and tribal areas. Analyze the impact of non-implementation of the provisions of fifth schedule on the growth of Left-Wing Extremism. 2013