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Left-Wing Extremism in India

India has been facing three significant internal security challenges for many years, each presenting its own difficulties: terrorism and a proxy war in Kashmir, separatist movements in the Northeast, and the Naxal-Maoist insurgency (known as Left Wing Extremism) in the Red Corridor.
The Naxalism movement in India, also known as left-wing extremism (LWE), originated in Naxalbari, West Bengal, when the Communist Party of India launched a revolt in 1967. Its primary objective is to eradicate the existing political system as a means to address social and economic inequality.

What is Naxalism in India?

Naxalism, also referred to as left-wing extremism, is an armed rebellion against the State driven by leftist ideology. It is synonymous with terms like Naxalism and Maoism. In India, the individuals involved in left-wing extremism are known as Maoists or Naxalites. Naxalism encompasses violent actions carried out by tribal people and landless labourers against landlords, specific individuals, and groups.
Naxalism serves as a general term for various Maoist-inspired and militant insurgent groups that have been active in India since the mid-1960s. The movement was initially led by Kanu Sanyal and Jagan Santhal, aiming to secure fair distribution of land for working peasants. Since then, Naxalism has emerged as the most significant threat to law and order in India. The majority of the Naxalite group (Maoist) consists of Guevarist armed cadres affiliated with the Communist Party of India. These regions include parts of West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Telangana.

History of Naxalism or Left-Wing Extremism

Left-wing extremism emerged in 1967 in three communities, namely Khoribari, Phansidewa, and Naxalbari, located in the Darjeeling District of West Bengal. The initial revolution, led by members of the Communist Party of India, namely Charu Majumdar, Kanu Sanyal, and Jangal Santhal, primarily took the form of a peasant revolt.
Two years later, in 1969, the Marxist-Leninist Communist Party of India was established. Although it originated in West Bengal, the movement later spread to less-developed rural areas in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. Most of the present-day Naxal organizations can be traced back to the CPI (M-L).

Objectives of Left-Wing Extremism

Left-wing extremist organizations aim to bring about changes through violent means. They oppose democratic institutions and resort to force to hinder democratic processes on the ground.
Marxism is one among several communist and socialist currents that have influenced Naxalism. The objectives of left-wing extremism are as follows:

• All groups share an anti-government ideology and a common desire for violent conflict.
• They seek to garner support from marginalized people in rural areas by advocating for their genuine and perceived concerns.
• The Communist Party of India (Maoist)/CPI-M is the most militant among these groups.
• The ideology of the Maoists is rooted in Maoism, a form of communism.
• They reject the parliamentary system and aim to overthrow the government through armed rebellion.
• They engage in severe violence and often cause harm to innocent individuals.

Causes of Naxal Terrorism in India

Naxalite refers to various groups inspired by Maoism, which are militant insurgents and separatists that have existed in India since the mid-1960s. Originally, the term was used to describe left-wing extremists. The emergence of left-wing extremism (LWE) in the country can be traced back to the Telangana peasant insurrection from 1946 to 1951, but it gained popularity among the general public in 1967.

The main causes of Naxalism in India are as follows:

• Mismanaged Forests
  Inadequate forest management has significantly contributed to the growth of Naxalism. This issue was initiated by the British government when they implemented various forest regulations, leading to the monopolization of forest resources. As a result, a new class of moneylenders emerged due to their connections with the outside world. Instead of functioning effectively, the administrative system became more exploitative and costly.
• Poorly Executed Tribal Policies
  Even after gaining independence, the government was unable to prevent the alienation of tribal communities and the negative impact brought about by major development projects. The issues related to food security were also not fully resolved. Consequently, Naxalism spread to regions like Orissa.
• Increasing Disparities between Regions and within Regions
  Naxalism attracts individuals who have limited means of sustenance, such as farmers, fishermen, daily wage labourers, and bamboo cutters. The government's policies have failed to address the widening gaps between regions and within regions. The underprivileged and poor believe that Naxalism can offer solutions to their problems.
• Insufficient Industrialization and Land Reform
  The government's poor implementation of land reforms has had a negative impact. Due to inadequate surveys and improper settlement practices, the agricultural system has not been well-defined, which has further harmed the rural economy and agricultural productivity. The lack of proper industrialization has also resulted in rural residents being unable to find employment, leading to dissatisfaction with the government's performance. Furthermore, this contributes to the issue of Naxalism.
• Geographical Terrain
  Forest areas are conducive to the growth of Naxalism. Engaging in guerrilla warfare supports their struggle against the police and army. The geographical and demographic characteristics of the Naxal-affected regions, along with the political situation, add to the complexity of the internal security challenge.
• Working Class Youth
  A significant number of young individuals involved in the Naxal movement are graduates in medical and engineering fields, representing an educated youth who strongly supports the movement. Universities have become breeding grounds for extreme beliefs and radical ideologies.
• Tribal Resentment
  The Forest Conservation Act of 1984 restricts tribal people from even collecting forest products, despite their livelihoods depending on them. The massive relocation of tribal populations due to mining activities, development projects, and other factors in the states has caused significant devastation.

Efforts to Tackle Naxalism in India

• The Indian government has established a clear plan to tackle the issue of Naxalism. They have developed a three-part strategy to address the problem of left-wing extremism. Here are the key elements of the government's strategy:
• Grey Hound Police
  To confront left-wing extremists, the Greyhounds, an elite commando squad from Andhra Pradesh, was formed. Considered the top anti-Naxalite force in the country, the Greyhounds recruits the best personnel from the Andhra Pradesh Police.
• Salwa Judum
  The People's Movement, known as Salwa Judum, meaning "Peace hunt" in the Gondi language, was initiated by a few villagers who were frustrated with Naxal interference in the tendu leaf business.
• Operation Green Hunt
  The government of India launched an "all-out campaign" against the Naxalites, involving paramilitary and state forces. This operation, referred to as Operation Green Hunt by the Indian media, is believed to have commenced in November 2009, covering five states along the Red Corridor. Retaliatory attacks on the CRPF unit were reportedly carried out in response to this operation.
• Surrender Policy
  States affected by Naxalism have implemented surrender procedures. The Jharkhand government offers surrendered Naxalites one acre of agricultural land, a monthly income of Rs. 2000, and educational and medical benefits for their children. The Orissa government provides cash rewards of Rs. 10,000 for surrender, Rs. 20,000 for the return of weapons, and interest-free bank loans of Rs. 2 lakhs for two years. However, there is currently no reliable information system for locating Naxal cadres.

Naxalbari Movement in India: Way Forward

India has made efforts to combat Naxalism, but the underlying causes have yet to be addressed. The central and state governments should continue implementing their strategy and taking initiatives to tackle Naxalism in the areas affected by it. Here are some steps that can be taken:

• Reduce the economic disparity between the rich and the poor, as it is a major contributing factor to the growth of Naxalism.
• Equip the Naxal-affected states with modern artillery to effectively deal with challenging situations.
• Initiate sincere dialogue with the Naxalites and seek common ground for resolution.
• Develop a comprehensive national strategy at the central government level to put an end to Naxalism.
• Explore ways for the state and central governments to generate more employment opportunities and increase wages in the Naxal-affected regions. Unemployment is one of the main reasons why young people are drawn towards Naxalism.