Starting as a peasants movement, Naxalism has transformed into a sensitive problem that poses a serious challenge to internal security in India today. The basic root of Naxalism lies in unequal socio-economic development, exploitation and absence of thought leadership among the naxals. Over the years this has taken an opportune shape.
Naxalism is prominent in areas which have more minerals, ores and are mostly forests. Led by the need for economic growth and rapid industrialization, government and industries started exploiting these areas. They did not consider basic rights of the indigenous people living in those areas most of these people being tribal and under-developed. Not only the basic means of livelihood was snatched away from these people but also the impact that these industries had on the nearby environment led to the areas becoming inhabitable and their lifestyle became unsustainable. Absence of thought leadership from among these people led them to adopt the path of violence and extremism to fight for their rights and livelihood. The geographical locations being mostly inaccessible and undeveloped acted to their advantage by providing them hide-outs and inability of the government to counter. In the meanwhile more groups became aggrieved and Naxalism spread its roots.
Policy makers while countering the violence, came up with various policies to address the basic problems of naxals. Various programmes were aimed at providing them with basic health and education infrastructure and employment. Though these have been successful up to some extent, the basic attitude of the naxals have been violative. This attitude is a byproduct of corruption and lack-lusture governance in some cases. Also the radical developments are seen as an intrusion into their indigenous lifestyle. The limited success of the policies have posed a direct threat to self-serving and armed Naxal leadership who otherwise won't survive with democratic means. Even when the naxal leadership has been invited for direct talks, they have been reluctant to come forward which proves the opportune nature of the present day Naxalism which is more of violence and oppression.
Time is to act, to crack down upon the violent elements, and also simultaneously sensitivising with the needs of most of the others. Government policies needs to be implemented properly in a way so that the governance is sensitive to the needs and lifestyle, also fostering thought leadership among them. Radical change will lead to disintegration thus steady and sustainable change should be brought about so as to integrate (and not assimilate) naxals and affected groups into the Indian mainstream.
This post is a synthesis of my discussions with the Riturasssss...
