Approach against Maoism needs a Re-think

Approach against Maoism needs a Re-think
 

News: Recently, the Maoist attack in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada district claimed the lives of ten police personnel and a civilian driver.
 

Background:

In this editorial we will understand about shortcoming in government’s approach against Naxalites.
 

What are the shortcomings?

o As pointed by an expert group of the Planning Commission recommendation in 2008, “the development paradigm pursued since independence has always been ‘imposed’ on the tribal communities and has been insensitive to their needs and concerns. The state’s model of development has resulted in the displacement of tribals.
o It is observed that there is a tendency to outsource the operations against Naxals to the central armed police forces as against the use the local police, who know the language and terrain better. It is evident from Punjab where battle against terrorism was won as State police forces took the lead.
o Lastly, there is no overall strategic plan against the Naxals. States have been carrying out anti-Naxal drives according to their individual understanding.
 

What needs to be done?

o The Maoist problem is multi-dimensional; it has social and economic aspects. The security forces can take care of the law and order aspect of the problem. Unless the problem is tackled in its entirety, it is unlikely to go away.
o Security forces/ territorial domination should be followed by the administrative apparatus establishing its network in the affected areas.
o The government should make conscious efforts to win the hearts and minds of the people. As seen in Government’s dealing with the Nagas and several other insurgent outfits in the Northeast, need of the hour is for a similar approach with Maoist leadership.
Source – Indian Express