An unfortunate saga of Naxalism

An unfortunate saga of Naxalism

The farfetched solution to the menace of naxalism is still evasive. Is it because of the failure of the repertoire of experts to deliver what was expected of them? The grim situation has further swayed towards worst. We tag it as frustrated backlash of the dominance-losing group. Are we certain if we are winning ground? Blindfolded and waxed ear policy makers, in the past, heard and eyed the expansion of red corridor, cutting across many state boundaries, as law and order problem. It has been branded as socio-economic disparity fallout, which can be settled only through sociological perspective. Is the time yet not ripe to consider it as a threat to the very existence of a State. Unfortunately, has it not snowballed afar from a simple peasant or tribal movement, seeking justice against perennial injustice. Through its modus operandi of mass brutal killing, barbarism and defying the constitutional structures in the name of equality, freedom and liberty, it has become an ultimate challenge to the nation. Even our Union Home Minister agrees that it is the biggest threat to internal security.

The death of 76 CRPF personnel in a well planned ambush and then the blasting of civilian bus, killing hapless citizens, has washed away all the illusions of possible dialogue across the table. I believe it must have left a demolishing impact on the mindset of the soft peddlers. But, in contrary, the Government has back tracked calling for truce. I wonder if it will cut ice, when time and again this approach has miserably failed and in turn strengthened the ultras.

To my surprise the media, besides asking for non-compromising action, has been deluged with the analysts opinion, totally with contrast and contradictory statements, few glorifying the assailants military skills and criticizing the ill planned movement of the victims (in case of CRPF personnel’s killings); and some stopping at the point of sympathy. The main political parties though stood united, earlier, on the issue and called “to go all out” to tackle the problem, but failed to decide on the strategy and actual realm of action. What is the definition of “all out” was left un-described. Now the real politics, which does not mind pushing the state to the verge of destruction, has come into action, calling for developmental approach. The enforcing agencies are, as usual tight lipped for facing the setback, manpower-for a massive loss, material and money- for loss of weapons, vehicles, trained men and above all mental-for a strategic fiasco and consequential all time low morale, which is half the battle in such challenges.

From sociological point of view, every action of human being is loaded with his socio-cultural and economic environment. That does not empower one to negate rule of law of the land. It does not absolve anybody of crime. In stark contrast to naxalism being called as law and order problem in vague sense, it is a direct threat to internal security, a threat to the State. Internal security, which has direct ramifications on our external strength. This is the time when the media and the speakers both should restrain themselves. Every word uttered and written should be weighed and analyzed, gauging if it will hamper, deter, stifle the operations undertaken or to be undertaken to eradicate naxalism. The havoc created by Naxals should no more be treated as action of disgruntled lot in underdeveloped area. Unfortunately, the motive has long back shifted from altruism, support to the needy to vested political interests. The development task, howsoever planned will not reach the beneficiaries because of the thwart from these extremists. They now that development will threaten their existence. The mass support, which they claim, is more under duress than willingness. There should be no compromise of whatsoever nature, and the combat should be with one and only one intention-eradication. No piecemeal approach will fetch the goal. The slogan “all out” must be defined ASAP and rising above regional, factional and political compulsions, action should be taken without wasting time. Nevertheless, the genesis has to be included in the ambit of eradication program- increasing the outreach of development. Or else it will never be weeded out or stopped from relapse.

Veerendra Mishra

vmishra2005@gmail.com