Syllabus
GS Paper 3 – Challenges to Internal Security through Communication Networks, Role of Media and Social Networking Sites in Internal Security Challenges, Basics of Cyber Security; Money-Laundering and its prevention.
Context
The underwhelming voter participation in the Maoist-impacted regions of Chhattisgarh indicates a need for bolstering democracy at the local level.
History of Maoist insurgency in Chhattisgarh
- Insurgency Background: Chhattisgarh is entwined in the broader Naxalite-Maoist insurgency that has been unfolding in India since the late 1960s.
- Maoism Defined: Maoism is a strategy to seize State power through a blend of armed insurgency, mass mobilization, and strategic alliances.
- Objective: The goal is to topple the Indian state and institute a “people’s democracy” via a prolonged people’s war.
- Geographical Advantage: The State’s strategic position, dense forests, rugged terrain, and isolated areas offer perfect conditions for Maoist factions to operate and conceal themselves.
- Internal Security Concern: In 2006, then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh labeled the Maoist insurgency as the “greatest internal security challenge” confronting India.
- Operation Green Hunt, 2009: This is a comprehensive offensive by the Indian security forces against the Maoists, initiated in the forests of Chhattisgarh.
- Operation Prahar, 2017: This operation represents a targeted action by police officials in various States, including Chhattisgarh, against criminals, banned elements, or even illegal liquor sales.
Reasons for lower turnout ratio of voters in Maoism affected areas of Chhattisgarh:
- Maoist Influence: Maoists, who claim to champion the tribal cause, coerce the tribals to abandon the democratic process and adhere to their own ‘people’s government’.
- Fear Factor: Maoists frequently intimidate and assault voters, candidates, and security forces to disrupt elections and enforce their boycott call.
- Election Disruption: They also plant improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and landmines on roads and near polling booths to deter voters from reaching the polling stations.
- Trust Deficit: Maoists purport to represent the interests of the tribals, who constitute a significant portion of the population in these areas, and accuse the government and mainstream parties of exploitation and neglect.
- Logistical Hurdles: Maoist-affected areas are often remote and inaccessible, with poor road connectivity and communication facilities.
- Inconvenience: Voters have to traverse long distances, sometimes on foot, to reach the polling stations, which may not be feasible or convenient for many.
- Limited Voting Hours: The polling hours are often curtailed in these areas due to security concerns, which may restrict voter participation.
- Religion-Based Discourse: Political parties often use religion as a ‘manufactured agenda’ to divert attention from fundamental issues affecting the tribals, such as their rights and aspirations.
- Governance Deficit: The government’s development programs have failed to reach the tribals. In response, Maoists have established their own parallel development programs and provided basic services to the tribals.
Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act 1996:
- Bhuria Committee Report, 1995: The Bhuria Committee’s report from 1995 served as the foundation for the enactment of the PESA Act, 1996 by the Parliament in 10 states.
- Coverage of the Act: The PESA Act, 1996 extends to ten states, namely Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Rajasthan, and Telangana.
- Aim: The primary goal of the Act is to empower tribal communities to govern their own affairs in a manner that respects their culture and traditions.
- Need: The Act was necessary to extend the provisions of Part IX of the Constitution, which pertains to Panchayats, to the Scheduled Areas.
- Nodal Ministry: The Ministry of Panchayat Raj Institutions serves as the nodal ministry for the Act.
- Objective: The Act empowers gram sabhas to play a pivotal role in approving development plans and overseeing all social sectors.
Importance of PESA in Maoism affected regions:
- Empowerment of Tribals: The Act is designed to enable tribals to govern their own affairs in a manner that respects their culture and traditions.
- Participation of the People: The Act has the potential to diminish the influence and challenge of the Maoists by reinstating the faith and confidence of the tribals in the democratic process.
- Governance in Tribal Areas: If the Act is executed with sincerity and effectiveness, it can serve as a potent instrument for integrating the tribal community by addressing their aspirations and rights.
- Enhancement of Internal Security: The Act can potentially tackle the underlying causes of the Maoist insurgency, thereby fostering peace and development in the tribal regions.
- Tribal Autonomy: The Act enables tribals to protect and manage their own natural resources and cultural heritage, which are often threatened by interventions from the State and corporations.
Measures taken to combat Maoism related insurgency:
- Security Related Expenditure (SRE): The SRE is a fund established by the central government to provide financial support to states affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE). It aims to enhance the capacity of the state machinery to counter LWE effectively and efficiently.
- Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS): The SIS is designed to bolster local police forces and intelligence agencies. It also helps in building infrastructure like fortified police stations, outposts, and mobility for special forces.
- Special Central Assistance: This assistance provides funding for infrastructure development, such as road construction, in LWE-affected districts. It also focuses on improving the socio-economic conditions of the people in these areas.
- Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF): The CRPF has been progressively expanding its presence by establishing new camps in the deeper parts of Jharkhand’s jungles. It also conducts civic action programs such as medical camps and community awareness programs for the local population.
- Bastariya Battalion: This is an initiative by the CRPF to recruit locals, which helps in gathering local intelligence about the Maoists. It also provides employment opportunities to the youth in the region.
- Counter-terrorism Agencies: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Enforcement Directorate have been tasked with tracking CPI (Maoist) cadres, leaders, and sympathizers to curb their funding. They also focus on preventing the misuse of funds and resources by these groups.
- District Reserve Guard (DRG): The DRG is primarily established in Chhattisgarh and incorporates local police in efforts to neutralize the Maoists. It also trains them in jungle warfare and counter-insurgency operations.
- SAMADHAN: This initiative was launched in 2017. It focuses on a multi-pronged strategy involving security, development, ensuring rights and entitlements of local communities, and managing public perception. It also emphasizes the need for skill development and providing employment opportunities to the youth in LWE-affected areas.
Way forward:
- Exposing Maoist Claims: The assertions made by the Maoists, who claim to be fighting for tribal rights, need to be scrutinized as they obstruct empowerment and development. Both the state and society should challenge these claims.
- Solution to the Maoist Problem: Addressing the Maoist issue involves more than just providing security and development to the tribal communities. It also requires respect for, and fulfillment of, their aspirations and dignity.
- Countering Maoist Agendas: The concealed objectives and violent tactics of the Maoists need to be confronted with a long-term vision and unwavering commitment.
Source: The Hindu
Practice Question
Examine the role of Grass Root Democracy in countering Maoism in India. Discuss the challenges and suggest measures for strengthening democratic institutions at the grassroots level to address the issue of Maoism. (250 words)