Naxalism is a social, economic and development issues manifesting as a violent internal security threat. In this context, discuss the emerging issues and suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of Naxalism.

Naxalism has its root in the Maoist ideology, which projects Violent overthrowing of Indian state as a solution to the social, economic developmental deprivation of the tribal population in the central and the Eastern part of India .

Social Factors – Denial of dignity and untouchability, Poor implementation of laws -protection of civil rights and abolition of bonded labour etc. 

Economic – Disruption of traditional occupations and Rights, lack of alternative work opportunities. 

Developmental 

• Eviction and displacements by irrigation and power projects without adequate rehabilitation.
• Dysfunctional Local governmental structures. 

Emerging Issues 

• Naxal violence dropped by 77 per cent between 2009 and 2021.  
• Deaths of security force personnel has more than doubled in Chhattisgarh in the past three years. 

• Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand remain the worst affected states. 
• Violence still reported from 30 districts in central India accounting 88% of the LWE violence. 
• Spread of ideology in Urban Areas. 
• Threats of attacks in Urban areas in future. 

Strategy to tackle Naxalism

• National Policy and Action Plan adopts an integrated, holistic and multi-pronged strategy.

Security Measures 

• Ban on CPI(Maoist. 
• Strengthening the Intelligence Mechanism Between centre and states through Multi Agency Centre (MAC). 
• Better Inter-State coordination.
• SOP by MHA to Tackle the problem of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). 
• Deployment of the Central Armed Police Forces

Developmental Measures 

• Civic Action Programme (CAP): Financial grants to the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to undertake various Civic Action Programmes. 
• Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy
• Better implementation of FRA 2006 and PESA 1996 for recognising tradition rights of Tribals.

What needs to be done 

• Tribals be treated as alienated sections of society.
• Police action over a long period is counterproductive. 
• Negotiations and just implementation of laws and programmes for social justice.
• Development initiatives suitable to local conditions 
• Democratic methods of conflict resolution.