NAXALISM IN INDIA:HISTORY,CAUSES AND SOLUTION

 WHAT IS NAXALISM

Naxalism, better known as the Naxalite movement, has been a long-term Maoist fight in multiple parts of India. It gets its name from the village of Naxalbari in West Bengal, where it began in 1967, and is driven by a radical left-wing ideology that strives to take on the unequal socio-economic and political circumstances found in rural India. This article delves into this topic and provides an overview of Naxalism - its roots, motives and ongoing initiatives to try and resolve this intricate challenge.

Naxalism's origins

There were ideological divisions within the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) that led to Naxalism. In the late 1960s, a group of radical leaders, inspired by China's Mao Zedong and his theories of armed revolution, broke away from the parent party and formed the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (CPI-ML). In their view, armed conflict was the only effective means of addressing rural India's poverty, feudalism, and oppression.

NAXALISM Causes and Grievances

There are several underlying causes of Naxalism, which have festered over the years:

The wide gap between rich and poor, landlessness, and exploitation of marginalized communities have triggered deep-seated grievances among rural populations. Naxalites believe the state has failed to address these disparities.

Disputes over land ownership, redistribution, and the displacement of tribal communities remain contentious issues in rural India

Marginalization from mainstream political parties: Many regions affected by Naxalism lack representation and attention from mainstream political parties, leading to alienation and frustration.

The absence of basic amenities such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure has further perpetuated poverty and discontent in these remote regions.

Naxalites criticize the government for failing to implement inclusive and sustainable development policies, which they argue perpetuate the status quo and deepen socioeconomic disparities.

Naxalism impact on society and governance

Indian society and governance have been profoundly affected by the Naxalite insurgency:

Naxalite attacks on security forces, government officials, and civilians have resulted in a significant loss of life and property over the years.

The insurgency has hindered development projects in affected regions, causing further poverty and underdevelopment.

Naxalism has weakened the state's authority in these areas, resulting in a perception of weak governance and rule of law

Naxalite armed groups pose significant security challenges for the government, hindering effective counter-insurgency operations.

Counterinsurgency Measures and Government Responses

Among the measures taken by the Indian government to combat Naxalism are:

Insurgency operations: Deploying security forces to combat the insurgency, resulting in encounters and arrests of Naxalite cadres.

Implementing various development schemes and welfare programs to address socioeconomic disparities.

Rehabilitating Naxalite cadres through surrender and rehabilitation policies.

Engaging in dialogue with certain Naxalite factions to explore peaceful solutions

Operation ‘SAMADHAN’ 

is the recent initiative on the part of the Union Government to deal with the problem of Naxalism. The Ministry of Home Affairshas also suggested the use of trackers for weapons, and bio-metrics in Smart Guns. The Union Government has also introduced the policy of ‘‘Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation’’ to usher in peace and development in the disturbed regions. Its objectives are many fold, which include efforts to bring back the youths and naxals who found themselves trapped in the network, to prevent the naxals who surrendered for joining the naxal movement again, and to prevent youths from joining the naxal groups. This policy has been evolved, keeping in mind the specific geographical and social landscape to help those naxalites who want to give
up violence, surrender and join the mainstream.

Naxalism presents India with a multifaceted challenge. The grievances of marginalized groups formed its basis, yet the use of arms has maintained a damaging cycle of conflict that has hampered growth and progress in these regions. A comprehensive approach is needed to abate this problem, one which takes into account the need for stronger governance, inclusive development, and dialogue between all parties. This could be the key to creating a lasting resolution that brings peace and prosperity back to those who have been neglected.