Naxalism, rooted in social, economic, and developmental disparities, poses a violent internal security threat. Addressing emerging issues requires a multilayered strategy involving socio-economic development, improved governance, and enhanced security measures to effectively counter the complex challenges posed by Naxalism in India.
UPSC Mains General Studies Paper – 3 Mains 2022
UPSC Mains Civil Services IAS Exam Question Paper – 2022
Approach
- Start with the briefly explained keyword “ Naxalism” with context.
- Explain the emerging issue with naxalism in India .
- Discuss on Multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of Naxalism.
- Way forward Conclusion to accordingly.
Introduction
- Naxalism began as a movement to remove injustice against aggressive landless farmers and tribal people. It is a doctrine to capture State power through a combination of armed insurgency, mass mobilisation and strategic alliances. Naxalism is a social, economic and developmental issue. The term Naxal comes from the village Naxalbari in West Bengal where the Naxalbari uprising of 1967 occurred.Started in West Bengal, the movement has spread across Eastern India; in less developed areas of states such as Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
Body
The emerging issue with naxalism in India: While Naxalism in India has been a longstanding issue, there are several emerging challenges that need to be addressed to effectively tackle the problem. These emerging issues include:
- Urban Naxalism: One of the significant emerging trends is the spread of Naxal ideology and activities into urban areas. Urban Naxalism refers to the infiltration of Naxal cadres and sympathisers into urban centres, educational institutions, and intellectual circles.
- External Support and Funding: Naxal groups have been receiving support and funding from external sources, both within and outside India. They exploit the porous borders and engage in activities such as arms smuggling, drug trafficking, and illegal mining to sustain their operations.
- Tactical Adaptations: Naxal groups have shown the ability to adapt their tactics and strategies to counter government forces. They have become more sophisticated in their operations, using improvised explosive devices (IEDs), ambush tactics, and guerrilla warfare techniques.
- Networking with other Extremist Groups: Naxal groups have been forming alliances and networking with other extremist and terrorist organisations, both within India and internationally. These collaborations enable them to share resources, intelligence, and expertise, posing a greater challenge to national security.
- Exploitation of Tribal Issues: Naxal groups often exploit the grievances of tribal communities regarding land rights, displacement, and lack of development. They present themselves as champions of tribal rights and exploit the trust deficit between the government and tribal communities.
- Information Warfare: Naxal groups have been increasingly using social media platforms, the internet, and other forms of communication to propagate their ideology, recruit cadres, and mobilise support. They utilise misinformation campaigns, propaganda, and online radicalization to expand their reach and influence.
Multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of Naxalism: Naxalism requires a multilayered strategy that addresses the root causes, enhances security measures, promotes development and governance, and counters the ideology of Naxal groups. Here is a comprehensive approach:
- Socio-Economic Development: Ensure equitable distribution of resources and address socio-economic disparities. Implement inclusive development programs that provide education, healthcare, and employment opportunities to marginalised communities. Promote sustainable livelihood options and agricultural reforms to alleviate poverty and reduce dependency on Naxal groups.
- Governance and Administration: Strengthen local governance structures and empower local communities. Improvetransparency, accountability, and efficiency in administration. Involve local communities in decision-making processes and address their grievances effectively. Implement land reforms, resolve land disputes, and ensure land tenure security for marginalised communities.
- Enhanced Security Measures: Improve intelligence gathering capabilities and intelligence sharing between security agencies. Strengthen the capacity and training of security forces to effectively counter Naxal operations. Enhance coordination among different security agencies at regional and national levels. Focus on disrupting the supply chains, arms smuggling, and funding networks of Naxal groups.
- International Cooperation: Learn from the experiences of other countries in dealing with internal security threats and share best practices. Collaborate on intelligence sharing, capacity building, and joint operations to counter transnational support for Naxal groups. Seek international support in addressing the root causes of Naxalism, such as socio-economic disparities and marginalisation.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish mechanisms to monitor the implementation and effectiveness of various strategies and initiatives. Regularly assess the impact of developmental programs, security operations, and counter-ideology efforts.Adapt and adjust strategies based on feedback and lessons learned to ensure continuous improvement.
Conclusion
- In conclusion, addressing Naxalism necessitates a multifaceted approach that tackles the underlying causes, immediate threats, and ideological dimensions of the issue. By implementing a comprehensive strategy that combines socio-economic development, governance reforms, security measures, countering propaganda, and active involvement of local communities, it is possible to effectively tackle this complex challenge and foster peace, stability, and inclusive development in the affected regions.
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