NAXALISM IN INDIA

Naxalism refers to a far-left, radical communist movement in India that advocates for the violent overthrow of the state, typically on behalf of marginalized and landless groups, particularly in rural and tribal areas. The term originates from the village of Naxalbari in West Bengal, where the movement began in 1967 under the influence of Maoist ideology.

Evolution of Naxalismin India:

• 1967 (First Stage):Peasant uprising inNaxalbari, West Bengal, led by CharMajumdar, KanSanyal, and Jangal Santhal.
• 1975-2004:Groups fragmented;People’s War Group(PWG) in Andhra Pradesh andMCCIin Bihar strengthened.
• 2004 Onwards:PWG and MCCI merged to formCPI (Maoist), consolidating the Naxal movement.
• Spread of Red Corridor:Expansion into states likeChhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, and forays into southern states.

Causes of naxalism in India:

1. Landlessness and Unequal Land Distribution

Many rural poor, especially tribals and Dalits, do not own land. Land reform laws exist but are poorly implemented, leading to frustration and rebellion.

2. Tribal Exploitation and Displacement

Tribals are often displaced due to mining, dams, or industrial projects without fair compensation or rehabilitation. This leads to alienation and anger.

3. Poverty and Unemployment

Lack of basic income opportunities in backward regions pushes youth toward Naxal groups, which offer money, food, and a sense of power.

4. Lack of Education and Basic Services

Poor infrastructure—schools, hospitals, roads—creates resentment among locals and makes them vulnerable to Naxal influence.

5.Weak Governance and Corruption

Government schemes often fail due to corrupt local officials. This leads to a breakdown of trust in democratic institutions.

6. Police Atrocities and Human Rights Violations

Security forces sometimes conduct fake encounters or harass civilians, which fuels further rebellion and sympathy for Maoists.

7. Maoist Ideology and Propaganda

Naxals promote a revolutionary ideology that attracts disillusioned youth who see no future in the current system.

8. Neglect of Forest Rights and Tribal Autonomy

Laws like the Forest Rights Act are not effectively enforced, leading to anger among tribals over the loss of traditional forest lands.

Challenges in combating naxalism:

1. Difficult Terrain and Guerrilla Tactics

Naxals operate in dense forests, hills, and remote tribal belts where conventional security operations are difficult.

Example: In Bastar (Chhattisgarh), dense jungle cover helps Naxals hide and ambush forces using guerrilla tactics.

2.Local Support and Fear of Naxals

Many villagers either support or fear Naxals due to lack of state presence or past atrocities.

Example: In Dantewada, villagers hesitate to share information with police fearing Naxal retaliation.

3.Political Apathy and Policy Gaps

Lack of a consistent national strategy, and political neglect of remote areas, allows Naxalism to survive.

Example: Frequent changes in counter-Naxal policies after elections result in long-term instability in approach.

4.Human Rights Issues and Police Excesses

Excessive use of force or wrongful arrests by security forces lead to alienation of locals.

Example: Alleged fake encounters in Telangana and Chhattisgarh have drawn criticism from civil rights groups.

5.Poor Infrastructure and Connectivity

Explanation: Lack of roads, electricity, and mobile connectivity in Naxal areas delays development and hampers security movements.

Example: In Gadchiroli (Maharashtra), security personnel walk for hours due to lack of motorable roads.

6. Inadequate Intelligence and Coordination

Explanation: There is often poor ground intelligence and weak coordination between state police and central paramilitary forces.

Example: In Bijapur (2021 ambush), over 20 security personnel were killed due to intelligence failure and poor planning.

GOVERNMENT MEASUES TO REDUCE NAXALISM IN INDIA:

SAMADHAN Strategy: A operational strategy to fight Left Wing Extremism. The strategy emphasises:

lSmart leadership

lAggressive strategy

lMotivation and training

lActionable intelligence

lDashboard-based performance metrics

lHarnessing technology

lAction plans for theatres

lNo financial access for insurgents

Security Operations

Deployment of central and state forces to neutralize Naxal cadres and regain control over affected regions.

Example:Operation Green Hunt (2009): Large-scale offensive using CRPF and state police forces in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Jharkhand.

CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action): Specialized CRPF unit trained in jungle warfare.

Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy

Encouraging Naxals to surrender by offering financial assistance, housing, and job training.

Example:Jharkhand's 2023 surrender policy offers up to ₹5 lakh and vocational training to surrendered Maoists.

Over 1,000 cadres surrendered in various states between 2020–2024.

Media Plans: A robust media plan counters Maoist propaganda via government messaging through various mediums, including youth exchange programs

GIS Mapping: This project maps financial services, schools, post offices, health facilities, roads, and security features across LWE-affected areas, facilitating data-driven decisions for development and security.

Conclusions:

Naxalism remains one of the most complex internal security challenges India has faced. Rooted in deep socio-economic inequalities, it reflects the failures of governance, development, and justice in remote and tribal regions.

A long-term solution requires a balanced approach—combining effective law enforcement with inclusive development, protection of tribal rights, and genuine political will. Only when the government wins the confidence of local communities through justice, dignity, and opportunity can the appeal of extremist ideologies truly be eliminated.