Syllabus
GS Paper 3 – Security Issues – Linkages between development and spread of extremism.
Context
Maoists were killed in a firefight with security forces in Abujmadh, Chhattisgarh
Source
The Hindu| Editorial dated 7th October 2024
A defeat foretold
The Maoist insurgency, also known as Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), poses a significant internal security challenge to India, driven by a mix of socio-economic and political factors. While the insurgency still exists in parts of the Red Corridor, various security, development, and political measures are being implemented to control it. Effective management of LWE requires a holistic approach that addresses its root causes and offers sustainable solutions for the affected communities.
What is Maoist Insurgency in India?
- Definition: Maoist insurgency is an armed movement rooted in left-wing political ideologies that seek to bring about socio-political and economic changes through violence.
- Origin: Originating in 1967, this movement peaked in the early 2000s and has since been curtailed to limited areas due to government intervention.
- Prevalence: Concentrated in the Red Corridor across states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and parts of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, it primarily affects tribal and rural areas.
Reasons for Growth of Left-Wing Extremism in India
- Inequitable Socio-economic Development: Rising socio-economic inequalities
- and unemployment push tribal youth toward armed struggle.
- Governance Failure: A lack of effective governance and widespread corruption in tribal regions has led to development apathy, especially in PDS schemes.
- Political Marginalization: Tribal communities faced political deprivation and were sidelined by dominant groups, leading to a sense of hopelessness.
- Land Alienation and Displacement: Lack of land reforms and displacement due to industrial projects without proper rehabilitation increased tribal resentment.
- Discrimination Against Tribals: Poor implementation of laws in Fifth Schedule areas , and non-recognition of Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 has fueled extremism.
Challenges Posed by Left-Wing Extremism in India
- Threat to Internal Security: Maoist attacks on security forces cause significant loss of life and create instability.
- Social and Economic Disruption: LWE hinders infrastructure development by targeting roads, schools, and essential services.
- Child Soldiers and Forced Recruitment: The insurgents exploit vulnerable communities, including children, for forced recruitment.
- Extortion and Illegal Activities: Extortion from local businesses and illegal activities sustain their operations, causing economic stagnation.
- Political Instability: Maoist insurgency weakens democratic governance in affected regions, fostering instability.
- Human Rights Violations: LWE is responsible for extrajudicial killings, abductions, and other severe human rights abuses.
- Alienation of Tribals: Maoists exploit tribal grievances, creating a cycle of mistrust and violence between communities and the state.
Government Policies to Control Maoist Insurgency
- Security Schemes:
- National Policy and Action Plan (2015): Strengthens security force capabilities and focuses on socio-economic development in LWE regions.
- SAMADHAN Doctrine: A comprehensive framework focusing on Smart Leadership, Aggressive Strategy, and Harnessing Technology for long-term resolution.
- Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme: Provides funding for security forces and community policing in affected states.
- Development Schemes:
- Road Connectivity Project (RCPLWE): Improves infrastructure in Maoist-affected regions.
- Aspirational District Programme : Focuses on welfare programs to uplift LWE-affected districts through targeted socio-economic initiatives.
- Socio-Political Schemes:
- PESA Act, 1996 : Empowers local governance in tribal areas, ensuring their democratic participation.
- Surrender and Rehabilitation Policies: Provides incentives and vocational training to former Maoist cadres who wish to reintegrate into society.
Issues Associated with Government Measures
- Human Rights Violations: Excessive force by security forces sometimes leads to extrajudicial killings, alienating local communities.
- Inadequate Development Implementation: Corruption and bureaucratic inefficiencies prevent welfare schemes from reaching the target population.
- Incomplete Rehabilitation Programs: Insufficient vocational training and support for reintegration hamper surrender programs.
Solutions to Effectively Control LWE
- Focus on Development: Effective infrastructure projects and employment schemes in tribal areas can help reduce support for Maoists.
- Strengthen Local Governance: Empowering local governments to address tribal grievances fosters trust and reduces insurgency.
- Enhance Security Forces’ Capabilities: Provide specialized training and equipment to improve counter-insurgency operations.
- Encourage Dialogue: Promote peace talks with insurgent groups to address their political and socio-economic concerns.
Conclusion
The Maoist insurgency is both a security and socio-political challenge for India. While the government has made significant progress in curbing the movement through a combination of military action, development initiatives, and rehabilitation policies, more focus is needed on addressing the underlying causes of extremism. A combination of development-oriented solutions and political engagement is essential for a peaceful resolution and sustainable development in the affected regions.
Related PYQ
What are the determinants of left-wing extremism in Eastern part of India? What strategy should Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas? [ UPSC Civil Services Exam – Mains 2020]
Practice Question
Discuss the reasons for the growth of Left-Wing Extremism in India. What are the challenges it poses, and suggest measures for its effective control? [150 words]
Guidelines to Answer
- Introduction:
- Briefly define Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) and its relevance in India.
- Body:
- Break the answer into logical sections (e.g., reasons, challenges, solutions).Use subheadings to organize points (e.g., “Reasons for Growth,” “Challenges Posed,” “Measures for Control”).
- Under each subheading, explain points clearly and briefly. Aim for 3-4 points per subheading.
- Emphasize important terms by highlighting keywords.
- Conclusion:
- Summarize the need for a holistic approach combining development, security, and dialogue.