Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Naxalism, often referred to as the Left Wing Extremism (LWE), represents a protracted internal security challenge for India, rooted in socio-economic disparities and historical grievances. While initially driven by agrarian discontent, it has evolved into a complex phenomenon involving tribal communities, marginalized populations, and Maoist ideology. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) data as of 2023, Naxalism is currently present in 17 states, with its influence concentrated in the ‘Red Corridor’ spanning parts of central and eastern India. The recent increase in IED (Improvised Explosive Device) usage and recruitment of younger cadres highlight the evolving nature of this threat, necessitating a comprehensive and multi-pronged approach.
Emerging Issues in Naxalism
Several emerging issues complicate the Naxalism landscape:
- Geographical Shift: While core areas remain affected, Naxal influence is expanding into newer territories like Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra, often exploiting forest areas and interstate boundaries.
- Technological Advancement: Naxalites are increasingly utilizing technology – drones for surveillance, encrypted communication, and IEDs – posing a significant challenge to security forces.
- Inter-State Coordination: Enhanced coordination between different Naxal groups across state borders is making containment efforts more difficult.
- Recruitment of Youth: The recruitment of educated youth, disillusioned with mainstream development, is a worrying trend. This is often facilitated through social media and targeted propaganda.
- Exploitation of Forest Rights: Disputes over forest rights and land alienation continue to fuel resentment and provide recruitment grounds for Naxalites. The implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006 has been slow and uneven.
- Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic exacerbated existing socio-economic vulnerabilities, potentially increasing support for Naxal groups who presented themselves as providers of essential services.
A Multi-Layered Strategy to Tackle Naxalism
A holistic strategy requires simultaneous action on multiple fronts:
1. Security-Related Measures
- Enhanced Intelligence Gathering: Strengthening human intelligence networks and utilizing technological surveillance to preempt attacks and identify key Naxal leaders.
- Targeted Operations: Conducting focused operations against Naxal strongholds, while minimizing collateral damage and respecting human rights.
- Capacity Building of Security Forces: Equipping security forces with modern weaponry, training, and logistical support.
- Border Security: Strengthening border security to prevent the flow of arms, funds, and cadres.
2. Development and Socio-Economic Measures
- Accelerated Development of Affected Areas: Implementing infrastructure projects (roads, schools, healthcare facilities) in a time-bound manner. The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) are crucial in this regard.
- Employment Generation: Creating employment opportunities through skill development programs and promoting local industries. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) can be effectively utilized.
- Land Reforms: Expediting land redistribution and resolving land disputes to address agrarian grievances.
- Forest Rights Implementation: Ensuring effective implementation of the FRA 2006, granting forest rights to tribal communities and protecting their traditional livelihoods.
- Financial Inclusion: Expanding banking services and providing access to credit to marginalized communities.
3. Governance and Administrative Measures
- Strengthening Local Governance: Empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and involving local communities in decision-making processes.
- Effective Public Service Delivery: Ensuring efficient and transparent delivery of public services, such as education, healthcare, and social welfare schemes.
- Addressing Grievances: Establishing effective grievance redressal mechanisms to address the concerns of affected populations.
- Rehabilitation and Surrender Policy: Implementing a comprehensive rehabilitation policy for surrendered Naxalites, providing them with financial assistance, vocational training, and social support.
- Inter-State Coordination: Strengthening coordination between affected states through regular meetings, intelligence sharing, and joint operations.
The ‘Aspirational Districts’ program, focusing on rapid transformation of the most underdeveloped districts, including many Naxal-affected areas, is a positive step in this direction.
| Component | Actions |
|---|---|
| Security | Intelligence, Operations, Capacity Building, Border Control |
| Development | Infrastructure, Employment, Land Reforms, Forest Rights, Financial Inclusion |
| Governance | Local Empowerment, Public Service Delivery, Grievance Redressal, Rehabilitation, Coordination |
Conclusion
Tackling Naxalism requires a sustained and integrated approach that addresses its root causes while simultaneously strengthening security measures. A purely kinetic approach is insufficient; genuine development, inclusive governance, and effective implementation of existing policies are crucial for winning the hearts and minds of the affected populations. The focus should shift from solely eliminating Naxalites to creating an environment where they lose their support base. Continuous monitoring, evaluation, and adaptation of strategies based on ground realities are essential for long-term success.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.