19-December-2024-Editorial

MAOIST INSURGENCY IN INDIA: STRATEGIES AND CHALLENGES

Maoist insurgency, also known as Naxalism, has been a significant challenge to India’s internal security. It is rooted in social, economic, and political issues, particularly in tribal and rural areas.

The union home minister recently paid homage to martyrs of this conflict and declared a goal to eliminate Maoist insurgency by March 2026 using a three-pronged strategy involving security, development, and empowerment.

Three-Pronged Strategy to Eliminate Maoist Insurgency

1. Security Measures (Force)

Enhanced Security Forces:

• Increased deployment of central and state police forces in Maoist-affected areas.
• Joint operations involving state police and central forces like CRPF and COBRA units.

Capacity Building:

• Modernizing weapons, communication tools, and infrastructure.
• Use of advanced technologies such as Mini UAVs and mobile towers for better coordination.

Operation SAMADHAN:

• A focused strategy addressing intelligence gathering, operational planning, and development.
• Acronym: S – Smart Leadership, A – Aggressive Strategy, M – Motivation and Training, A – Actionable Intelligence, D – Dashboard-based Monitoring, H – Harnessing Technology, A – Area-specific Action Plans, N – No Financing Access.

2. Development Initiatives

Infrastructure Development:

• Implementation of flagship programs like Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) for rural connectivity.
• Special Infrastructure Schemes focusing on roads, bridges, and schools in remote regions.

Skill Development:

• Tailored programs for skill training in 47 Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected districts.

Welfare Schemes:

• Achieving 100% saturation of government welfare schemes in affected areas.
• Civic Action Programs (CAP) by CAPFs to improve relations with local communities.

3. Empowerment (Winning Hearts and Minds)

• Public Engagement: Building trust with tribal communities and addressing their grievances.
• Rehabilitation Schemes: Offering surrender and rehabilitation programs with financial aid, education, and vocational training for Maoist cadres.
• Tribal Rights Protection: Fair implementation of land acquisition policies and Forest Rights Act, 2006.

About Maoism

A form of communism developed by Mao Tse Tung, focusing on armed insurgency and mass mobilization to capture state power.

Known as “Protracted People’s War,” emphasizing the “military line.”

Maoist Ideology:

• Advocates for violence and insurrection as the primary means to achieve goals.

Indian Maoists:

• The Communist Party of India (Maoist) is the largest Maoist organization, formed in 2004.
• Banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

Recent Achievements in Combating Maoist Insurgency

Maoist-Free Villages:

• In 2023, 287 Maoists were neutralized, 1,000 arrested, and 837 surrendered in Chhattisgarh.
• Several villages in Dantewada declared “Maoist-free.”

Reduced Casualties:

• Security forces’ deaths have declined from 198 in 2007 to 14 in 2024.

Infrastructure Boost:

• Between 2014 and 2024, 544 fortified police stations were constructed, compared to only 66 from 2004 to 2014.
• Deployment of 12 helicopters for troop support and logistics.

Increased Funding:

• Over ₹12,000 crore spent on improving basic infrastructure in affected areas.

Challenges in Eliminating Maoist Insurgency

Social Issues:

• Historic exploitation and marginalization of tribal communities and Dalits.
• Alienation due to displacement and inadequate implementation of laws like the Forest Rights Act.

Developmental Gaps:

• Lack of infrastructure and governance in remote areas.
• Limited access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.

Maoist Strategy:

• Centralized command structures allow Maoists to maintain strongholds in areas like Abhujmadh.

Resource Access:

• Maoist-affected areas hold 80% of coal reserves and 19% of other minerals, creating additional incentives for control.

Trust Deficit:

• Failure to address grievances and ensure proper rehabilitation has deepened mistrust.

Way Forward

Governance Reforms:

• Empower tribal communities through Tribal Advisory Councils.
• Enforce land redistribution laws under the Ninth Schedule.

Economic Development:

• Launch aggressive developmental initiatives to provide basic needs.
• Create alternative livelihoods for communities dependent on illegal activities.

Security Enhancements:

• Deploy specialized paramilitary units in high-risk areas.
• Strengthen local governance structures for better control and coordination.

Resource Management:

• Promote sustainable resource extraction with tribal communities as stakeholders.

Social Sensitization:

• Increase public awareness about government initiatives to build trust and reduce Maoist influence.

Conclusion

The elimination of Maoist insurgency requires a balanced approach combining security, development, and empowerment. Addressing the root causes of alienation and ensuring inclusive development will pave the way for sustainable peace in affected regions.

The government’s recent efforts and achievements show promise, but continued focus and adaptation are necessary to achieve the goal of a Maoist-free India by 2026.