Indian Defence Review

Conclusion

Change of power always comes through the people. Those that are exploited and suffer deprivation have little to lose and easily succumb to Maoist pressure to supporting their movement. Intervention through education and care by revival of especially the primary education in areas affected by Maoist violence is perhaps the only viable option available in the immediate time frame to keep the children away from the Maoist influence. The support base may only increase further if the problem is not addressed through a well thought out long term strategy and implementation of plans. Procrastination will inspire intellectuals to enhance support of the Maoist movement and encourage India’s adversaries to embark on adventurism complicating matters further. Realisation of the Maoist dream may not appear feasible in the foreseeable future, but if appropriate corrective steps are not taken soon, such dreams will be kept alive by the Maoist leadership with increasing conviction taking deeper roots in the hearts and mind of their rank and file. Maoist movement in military terms essentially is an insurgency and therefore it can gain momentum if not intervened decisively.

The Maoists certainly lack the capacity to threaten the National government but they do have the power to deter investments and development in some of the poorest regions which also happens to be among the richest in some vital resources – notably iron and coal. At present the movement is largely confined to forest and tribal dominated areas but it has the potential to add a new dimension to the internal security challenge when it begins to target the urban pockets. We as a nation, therefore, have to act swiftly lest future generations inherit the legacy of misperception of the Maoist threat, inadequate governance and lack of resolute action. What is most visible and assuring today is that the government possesses the necessary strength, the will and determination to tackle this unprecedented challenge. The setback in Dantewada is only temporary. All agencies together need to take stock of the situation, review and rework their strategy, provide the police and paramilitary forces with the necessary resources and then move with steadfast determination to not only respond to the recent carnage but to launch a broad based campaign to turn the tide against the Maoists.

Notes

1. Article ‘Rise of Naxalism and its implication for National Security’ by Mr EN Ramohan, IPS (retd) published in a Study Report titled ‘India’s Comprehensive National Power: Synergy through Joint Decision Making’, CENJOWS Publication.
2. NDC Research Paper 01-2008 , ‘Left wing extremism – causes and perspectives’ by AK Patnaik, IPS
3. Book, ‘Ignited Minds’ by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
4. Magazine, ‘Outlook’ Oct 26, 2009
5. News Paper, ‘Times of India’ dated Feb 20, 2010, ‘Indian Express’ dated April 08, 09 and 10, 2010.
6. Website/Link
7. http://www.merinews.com/article/bihar-police-claims-naxal-attackers-included-children/15798792.shtml
8. http://www.indiaedunews.net/Chhattisgarh/Maoist_militancy_takes_heavy_toll_on_school_education_10668/
9. http://www.hrw.org/en/reports/2008/07/14/being-neutral-our-biggest-crime-0
10. http://en.wikipedia.org/militancy_use_of_children