What is Naxalism?
The primary goal of left-wing extremist groups is the establishment of a communist/socialist state through armed revolution. They claim to represent the interests of marginalized and oppressed sections of society, particularly tribal communities and the rural poor.
Left-wing extremist groups have been involved in various acts of violence, including attacks on security forces, government infrastructure, and industries such as mining and construction.
What is the Origin of Left-Wing Extremism in India?
The origins of left-wing extremism in India can be traced back to various historical, social, and political factors.
- The origins of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in India go back to the Telangana peasant rebellion (1946-51).
- Naxalbari Uprising: The Naxalbari movement, which took place in the late 1960s in the village of Naxalbari in West Bengal, marked a significant turning point in the rise of left-wing extremism.
- It was a violent peasant uprising led by communist revolutionaries inspired by Maoist ideology, aiming to address agrarian issues and overthrow the existing socio-economic order.
- The ideological influence of Marxism-Leninism-Maoism played a pivotal role in shaping left-wing extremism in India.
- Maoist principles emphasized armed struggle, land redistribution, and the establishment of a classless society.
- These ideas resonated with the oppressed sections of society, who sought radical change and social revolution.
What are the Key Facts and Statistics related to Left Wing Extremism in India?
- Between 2009 and 2021, the incidents of Naxal violence in India witnessed a significant decline of 77%.
- However, during the past three years, the deaths of security force personnel due to Maoist violence have more than doubled in Chhattisgarh.
- In terms of overall fatalities (including civilians and security forces), there has been an impressive 85% reduction from the peak of 1,005 deaths in 2010 to 147 deaths in 2021.
- The spread of violence has also contracted, with only 46 districts reporting left-wing extremist-related violence in 2021, compared to 96 districts in 2010.
| Socio-economic Inequality: Widespread poverty, unequal distribution of resources, and lack of access to basic services such as education, healthcare, and employment opportunities have created a fertile ground for discontent and frustration among marginalized sections of society. |
| Land Disputes and Tribal Rights: Displacement due to industrial projects, land acquisition, and inadequate implementation of land reforms have led to a loss of livelihoods and cultural identity for many indigenous communities. |
| Ideological Influence and Recruitment: influenced by Marxist-Leninist-Maoist principles have attracted followers who believe in armed struggle as a means to achieve social revolution and overthrow the existing capitalist system. |
| Political Marginalization: Limited representation, corruption, and a lack of political will to address local issues have alienated communities, making them susceptible to the influence of extremist groups that promise a voice and representation. |
| Insurgency and Armed Movements: Historical insurgencies, armed movements, and separatist struggles in certain regions of India have created an environment conducive to the growth of left-wing extremism. |
| The Exploitation of Natural Resources They often operate in resource-rich areas such as mineral-rich regions, forests, and tribal lands. These groups exploit grievances related to resource extraction, illegal mining, and environmental degradation caused by unchecked industrial activities. They portray themselves as protectors of natural resources and fight against perceived exploitation by corporate interests and the state. |
| Failure of Development Initiatives Limited infrastructure development, lack of basic amenities, and the absence of sustainable livelihood opportunities have created a sense of neglect and marginalization. |
Which Regions in India are Affected by Naxal Violence?
The areas affected by Naxal Violence are commonly known as the “Red Corridor” and include the following states
What are the Government Initiatives to Control LWE?
- Security Measures: The government has deployed security forces in LWE-affected areas to prevent and respond to violence. The security forces have also been given special training to deal with LWE.
- Development Measures: The government has implemented several development measures in LWE-affected areas to improve the lives of the people and reduce their support for LWE groups. These measures include building roads, schools, and hospitals; providing financial assistance; and promoting employment opportunities.
- Communication and Outreach: The government has also launched a number of communication and outreach initiatives to educate the people about the dangers of LWE and to promote the government’s development agenda.
- These initiatives include using radio, television, and social media to spread awareness; and organizing meetings and discussions with the people.
- The Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme provides financial assistance to states to strengthen their capacity to fight LWE.
- The National Policy and Action Plan on Countering LWE outlines the government’s strategy for dealing with LWE.
- Greyhound Police: The Greyhounds are an exceptional commando force in Andhra Pradesh, specifically established to counter left-wing extremists. Regarded as the country’s premier anti-Naxal force.
- Operation Green Hunt: This term was used by the Indian media to describe the “all-out offensive” launched by the Indian government’s paramilitary forces and state forces against the Naxalites.
- SAMADHAN Doctrine: It is the one-stop solution for the LWE problem. It encompasses the entire strategy of government from short-term policy to long-term policy formulated at different levels. SAMADHAN stands for-
S- Smart Leadership,
A- Aggressive Strategy,
M- Motivation and Training,
A- Actionable Intelligence,
D- Dashboard Based KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and KRAs (Key Result Areas),
H- Harnessing Technology,
A- Action plan for each Theatre,
N- No access to Financing.
- Surrender Policy: Naxal-affected states have also introduced surrender policies. For instance- the Jharkhand government offers a reward of Rs 50,000 to surrendered Naxalites, along with a monthly allowance and one acre of agricultural land.
- The Salwa Judum is a government-backed initiative to disarm and rehabilitate LWE cadres.
- The Van Dhan Yojana is a government scheme to promote the development of forest-based industries in LWE-affected areas.
Conclusion
Left-Wing Extremism has been a significant challenge in certain regions of India. The issue has witnessed fluctuations over time, with efforts by the government and security forces leading to a decline in the overall incidents of violence. There has been a reduction in the geographical spread of left-wing extremist activities, as well as a decrease in the number of districts affected by the violence.
However, certain regions still face significant challenges. It is crucial for the government to continue implementing comprehensive strategies that focus on development, governance, and addressing the root causes of left-wing extremism.
Previous Year Questions
Q. The persisting drives of the government for the development of large industries in backward areas have resulted in isolating the tribal population and the farmers who face multiple displacements. Malkangiri and Naxalbari foci discussed corrective strategies needed to win the Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) doctrine-affected citizens back into the mainstream of social and economic growth. (2015)
Q. Article 244 of the Indian Constitution relates to the administration of scheduled areas and tribal areas. Analyze the impact of non-implementation of the provisions of the Fifth Schedule on the growth of Left-wing extremism. (2018)
Q. What are the determinants of left-wing extremism in the 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)
Q. Naxalism is a social, economic, and developmental issue manifesting as a violent internal security threat. In this context, discuss the emerging issues gest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of Naxalism. (2022)
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