India’s flawed policy and Maoist adventurism
The massacre of 75 CRPF men by the Maoists in Chattisgarh came as shock to most of Indians. The loss of lives and grief and sorrow thereafter brings forth many questions about the country’s strategy to deal with extremism. Gandhiji’s
Recent Surge in ‘Maoist Violence’
On April 4, 2010 in Behrampur district of Orissa 9 jawans of Anti-Maoist Special Operation Group (SGO) were killed and 8 seriously injured when 3 mini buses carrying them blasted by remote controlled explosives set up by the Maoists in
On April 6, 2010 came the most shocking of Maoist attacks in recent history when 75 CRPF men were killed in in the Maoist attack in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh.
The troupe was returning after a usual domination exercise in the region. AN Armoured Personal Carrier was also destroyed when the Improvised Explosive Device planted by the Maoists detonated.
Government response
The government response to the incident was obvious with the Prime Minister expressing” shock and grief'' over the loss of lives of security personnel and Home Minister seeking detailed report from the authorities at the same time Union Home Secretary G. K. Pillai reiterated the government's resolve to carry out the fight against Naxals. “We will give them a firmer reply”, said he.
Firmer reply; is it the same old clear, hold and build strategy?
What does the government mean by this firmer reply? Whom they are going to fight now? What will be the status of Operation Green Hunt now?
As I have mentioned already in another article in this blog, while dealing with the issue of rebels and uprisings every nation and every government it seems is learning nothing from the past. We cannot face insurgency with insanity!
The clear, hold and build strategy by which the government intends first to clear the Maoists off the region and then hold it and build and bring development to that region has failed miserably. Neither could the government force the insurgents out nor could it bring development to the region. Now that it is clear that it simply won’t work, then why can’t the government accept the truth and seek alternatives?
Unclench our fist!
To draw out a strategy to deal with extremism first we should shed our prejudices and differentiate it from Terrorism. Terrorism is unjustifiable, but as far as left extremism is considered there is some sort of legitimacy for their demands. This we should accept. That is why it has become a mass movement. Over one third of total numbers of districts in
Now that it is too late to bring development and reduce the Maoist influence, the only way out is talk. Talk, talk and talk unconditionally. Or at least a mutual ceasefire is possible. In an exclusive interview to The Hindu, the spokesperson of CPI (Maoist) has reiterated their stand they are ready to talk and is keen on cessation of hostilities by both sides simultaneously. Now it is for the government to act. And lets hope it would act prudently.
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