Left Wing Extremism

THE PIONEER

A renewed Strategy to tackle Maoists

http://www.dailypioneer.com/sunday-edition/agenda/Opinion/a-renewed-strategy-to-tackle-maoists.html

SUNDAY EDITION

A RENEWED STRATEGY TO TACKLE MAOISTS

Sunday, 21 May 2017 | Jai Kumar Verma | in Agenda

Notwithstanding the bloodbath in Sukma, Government has been sincere in its efforts to fight the Maoists. But there is an urgent need to upgrade technology and strategies

Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) menace has continued for several years and about 180 districts in 10 States of the country have come under its influence. Our security forces have achieved successes at several places and the control of LWE was also minimised. Today, 106  districts of various States are affected by LWE violence. There was a sharp rise in the surrender of LWE cadres, even that of hardcore Naxalites. Large number of terrorists too were arrested and quite a few were exterminated by our security forces. In the search operations launched by our forces, caches of arms and ammunition were also unearthed. Local residents, who were against the activities of the Naxalites, also supplied actionable intelligence to our security forces which helped them in the operations against the LWE.

Analysts now claim that after 2014, LWE activities have seen a downfall, killings of our security forces have reduced while the number of encounters and elimination of Maoists has enhanced. Security forces have also launched cordon and search operations in limited areas. All these actions have reduced the influence of the Maoists. However, the recent Maoist attack in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district, which was one of the deadliest in seven years , is a reminder of the threat that they continue to pose. More than 300 Naxalites, equipped with deadly weapons, attacked Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) battalion and killed 25 of our men. The Maoists after collecting intelligence attacked the CRPF unit which was protecting the construction of road between Burkapal and Jagargunda.

It may be recalled that on March 11, the Maoists had killed 12 CRPF men in Sukma. In these attacks, the Naxalites killed persons of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and took their weapons and equipments. Analysts say that demonetisation has had an adverse impact on the LWE. This may very well be a reason why they have been attacking and snatching weapons of our forces. Other significant motive of their attack is also to demonstrate that they are more powerful than our security forces.

The recent attack by the LWE shook the entire nation. The Government too seems to have woken up as Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh held a meeting on May 8, which was attended by representatives of all affected States. Besides reviewing key intelligence strategies, it was also decided that more emphasis must be given to the collection of actionable intelligence. It was also decided that all LWE affected districts of eight States would be linked through a network of 5,422 km under the Road Requirement Plan. The Naxalites are against any development of any area, especially of roads, education. This is the reason why they attacked the CRPF party which was safeguarding the construction of the road.

At present, the Union Government has deployed more than hundreds of CAPF personnel in LWE areas which are over and above police forces of affected States. However, the CAPF, units posted in LWE areas, should be given adequate training in jungle warfare and the Army should impart training to the CAPF personnel as they possess the requisite expertise.

LWE is dangerous for the nation as they have no faith in the Constitution and profess to overthrow the present democratic system. Maoists venerate violence and successfully inculcate romanticism in the younger generation about their ideology. They depict themselves as protectors of the poor and the deprived, although they are against the development of the region. Naxalites attack security forces, Government installations to show that they are more dominant in the region than the Government machinery which is portrayed as exploiter. They claim that they struggle against the corrupt system which is exploiting the poor, especially the tribals. But it is a fact that they have killed more than 12,000 innocent citizens, including security personnel in the last two decades. Nonetheless, public resentment is growing against the Maoists as they have realised that LWE is against development and they are killing innocent persons.

The meeting presided over by Rajnath Singh was significant. The key decisions taken will help various State Governments to chalk out a comprehensive policy. However, the Government must opt for a two-prong approach. The authority of Government must be established and for that the security forces should be strengthened and given modern weaponry, mine-protected vehicles and latest technology.  In terrorist controlled areas, it is complicated to collect humint as Maoists butcher suspected informers. The CRPF, which is the main force handling LWE insurgency, is training its officers in collection of intelligence. The organisation has posted competent officers in its intelligence school and is inviting experienced officers of other intelligence organisations to deliver lectures. This is welcome as in terrorist areas, actionable intelligence plays a vital role in the success of encounters against terrorists.

Security forces, including the especially trained Commando Battalion of Resolute Action (CoBRA) Units of CRPF should launch cordon and search operations (CaSO) in LWE controlled areas, especially after procuring actionable intelligence. In the CaSO, security forces can unearth arms caches, top extremists can be eliminated if they refuse to surrender and few support agents would also be apprehended. The authority of the Government will also be established. CaSO would fatigue the Maoists and if they are tired, they would not attack security forces and after sometime the Naxalites can be convinced to surrender and lead a normal life.

The Central and State Governments must work together for the overall development of the Naxalite area. Communication is important. There should also be more roads, railway lines, mobile towers, Internet facility. Educational institutions too must be established. While the schemes launched by the Government are good but they are not implemented properly. Schemes must be monitored so that the locals get full advantages.

Naxalites extort enormous amount from companies especially mining mafias, contractors, including Government contractors, protection money and sometimes also levy taxes on the persons residing in their areas. Countries hostile towards India also support Maoists financially. The money is collected by ordinary workers and kept in safe custody of sympathisers.  Security agencies should adopt stringent measures to nail down all financial support. Companies and contractors must be provided with security and severe action should be taken if found guilty of providing money to Naxalites. Illegal mining must be stopped. NGOs and organisations constituted by Naxalites must be banned as they assist Maoists in collecting funds and raising voices against security forces.

 Intelligence agencies must be galvanised so that they collect intelligence about the actual source of financial assistance and the persons including banks where Maoists keep the extorted money for safe custody. Once the information is collected, legal action should be taken against the defaulters. Surrendered Maoists must be rehabilitated properly so other LWE cadres also inspire and surrender. The political leadership and NGOs, favourable to development of the region, should highlight various developmental projects undertaken by the Government and should also reveal the misdeeds of Maoists and futility of their ideology. In terrorist areas standard operating procedures must be observed in letter and spirit as little deviation may give Naxalites the opportunity to launch an attack on CAPF.

Teachers and respectable persons, educational institutions should try to indoctrinate patriotism, national and communal harmony in the tribals so that the younger generations, instead of joining LWE, joins the mainstream. LWE would not finish early as leaders of Maoists and several other influential persons have developed selfish interests but long term methodical approach can reduce the menace. The present Government is sincere and adopted quite a few measures against Naxalites and these steps and other proposed actions would certainly curb Naxalism in the country which is essential for the economic growth of the country.

(The writer is a former intelligence officer and a security analyst on terrorism, LWE, Pakistan and other South Asian countries.)

AGNI

STUDIES iN iNTERNATIONAL sTRATEGIC iSSUES

 

Studies in International Strategic Issues Printed in INDIA. All rights reserved Vol. XX, No. I January 2017 - April 2017

LWE IS THE GREATEST THREAT TO INDIA’S INTERNAL SECURITY

BY JAI K VERMA

Left Wing Extremism is the greatest threat to the national security of India. Prime Minster Modi also stressed in a high level meeting that the central and state governments must join hands to end the menace of LWE. The genesis of Maoism lies in under development and exploitation of the tribals. The Naxalites were able to project themselves as the saviours of underprivileged while government was projected as the usurper of their fundamental rights. Maoists glorify the violence and able to attract the youth by inculcating romantic illusions about the Naxal ideology.

Naxalites are against development so the poor masses of underdeveloped areas become part of their armed struggle. Maoists have created several frontal organisations and these outfits provide cover to their violent activities. The Naxalite movement has engulfed about 180 districts in ten states.

The Maoists collect funds through extortion, ransom, regular collection of levies from businessmen, donations sometimes voluntary but mostly forcibly. Besides this Naxalites also get money from foreign intelligence agencies. According to Intelligence reports the annual collection may be around Rs.2500 Crores.

 According to Al Jazeera more than 10000 persons lost lives between 1980 and 2011 while BBC puts the figure as 6000 between 1990 and 2010. The government agencies claim that between 2005 and 2015 approximately 4510 persons including 2193 Naxalites were killed and 1753 security personnel were also martyred.

 Central Government should chalk out a comprehensive plan after consulting all the stake holders in the LWE affected areas. There should be a two prong strategy first the security forces must be equipped with latest weapons and must collect actionable intelligence so that Maoist leadership can be exterminated. On the other hand the development of the area must be done at war footing so the residents of the area become part of overall development of the country.

The former Prime Minister Dr. Man Mohan Singh in the valedictory address at Golden Jubilee ceremony of National Defence College in October 2010 stated that Left Wing Extremism (LWE) is the “greatest threat” to the national security of the country.1 Dr. Singh also mentioned that India would loose a double digit sustained growth if the mineral rich area is not freed from the influence of LWE.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, few months after taking over held a high level meeting where he stressed the need to curb the spread of Left Wing Extremism in the country and government must play a pivotal role in it. The development of tribal areas is necessary for the progress of the country and all the ministries and state governments must work as a team to achieve the desired goal. He emphasized that besides development in communication, education, employment generation, health facilities, major work should be done in infusion of technology in the region.

GENESIS OF LEFT WING EXTREMISM

The LWE also known as Naxalism or Maoism commenced when the development work started and government and businessmen forcibly evicted the tribals from their ancestral land either without paying compensation or reimbursing insignificant amount which was inadequate for rehabilitation. The problem worsened as the local government agencies were thoroughly corrupt and insensitive towards the needs of tribals.

Naxal movement was initiated from a small village named Naxalbari in West Bengal where Charu Majumdar Chief of Communist Party of India (Marxist), Kanu Sanyal and Jangal Santhal started a violent movement in 1967 where the goons of a landlord assaulted a sharecropper over a land dispute. The tribals also became violent and attacked the police party which wanted to help landlord. The attack on goons of landlord and police party emboldened the tribals and they started attacking local landlords.

THE IDEOLOGY & MODUS OPERANDI OF LWE

 LWE is an aggressive movement launched by Maoists with the ulterior motive to overthrow the present democratic system prevalent in India and establish communist regime with Marxist ideology. Maoists glorify the violence and able to attract the youth by inculcating romantic illusions about the Naxal ideology. 

The Naxalites were able to project themselves as the saviours of underprivileged while government was projected as the usurper of their fundamental rights. Besides ideology quite a few joined LWE for extortion as hundreds of Crores of rupees are extorted by Maoists.

The documents seized during various raids and through interrogation of LWE leadership, it is apparent that the outfit does not believe in parliamentary democracy and desires to bring down the democratic government of India through an armed rebellion. LWE plans to raise people’s army, wage war against Indian armed forces and after defeating Indian army would convert India into a communist regime. The CPI (M) ideology is based on the philosophy of Mao Zedong or Mao Tsetung and Lenin. Maoists yearn to win over trade unions, infiltrate their cadre in all vital organisations and plan to liberate areas and establish bases there. These liberated regions are the remotest areas where there is minimum governance, no roads, no communication, no facility and no government officials.

 The Naxalites are against the development, because development represents government and Maoists aspire to arouse the feelings of utter neglect among the residents of underdeveloped areas so that the poor masses become part of their armed struggle.

The Naxalites also kill and kidnap government officials to impress the local population that there is no need to fear the government and they command more authority than government officials. Once the lower level government officials and local politicians are killed, kidnapped, threatened or silenced there is a vacuum in the area and Maoists exploit the situation.

Side by side Maoists also created several frontal organisations in urban and semi urban areas which are led by educated persons. These frontal outfits provide cover to violent activities of Maoists, assist them in fresh recruitments, organise demonstrations and also engross in propaganda and create goodwill for them. The frontal organisations raise funds for Naxalites; provide them shelter in cities and legal assistance against security forces. Few of these NGOs also get assistance from foreign powers hostile towards India.

These self styled human right activists incessantly allege about the human right violations by security forces, land grabbing and exploitation by business houses, displacement of tribals and atrocities by land owners. Local and national press also cover their articles and press briefings hence they are able to generate an atmosphere in favour of Maoists and against the security forces.
.

AFFECTED AREAS

The Naxalite movement which has emerged as a biggest threat to Indian internal security has engulfed about 180 districts in ten states namely Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha (Orissa), Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Utter Pradesh. However in August 2010 Karnataka was removed from the list and in 2011 only 83 districts remained under the influence of Naxalites. The influence of LWE was further mitigated to 60 districts in eight states.

REASONS BEHIND LEFT WING EXTREMISM

(1)The movement has support of local population especially of tribals because they were uprooted from the land they were residing from generations without any viable resettlement plan.

(2)The government officials were dishonest and exploited the poor tribals and underprivileged residents of the area. There were several cases of human right violations by public servants which also generated hatred towards government officials who were representing the system.

(3)The Forest Rights Act 2006 was formulated to eliminate the injustice to the poor tribals but the local authorities implemented the Act in such a way that the deprived locals could not get their rightful claim.

(4)A nexus was inculcated between industrialists, businessmen, money lenders, politicians and bureaucrats in the mineral rich area so that all the benefits of the mineral resources were exploited by them and poor tribals were displaced without any facility.

(5)There is pervasive poverty, no communication, no roads, no electricity, no drinking water facility, no schools and colleges, no hospitals, widespread unemployment, and there was no development of the area.

(6)Industries and mines came up in the forests but it had not generated employment to the locals.

(7)Several wild life sanctuaries were created and in these sanctuaries the rights of tribals were curtailed and their movement was restricted. Here animals became more important than the human beings.

(8)Power plants were made and electricity was supplied to far flung areas and nearby villages remained without electricity.

(9)The poor and uneducated local population was carried away by the slogans of LWE leaders who showed them an erroneous picture of the future.

(10)The nefarious Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) also provided financial assistance, small arms etc. to Maoists.

(11) The LWE leaders got ample support from terrorist groups of North East. These terrorist outfits supported LWE on behest of China through Myanmar and Nepal. LWE cadres were trained by these terrorist groups and also supplied arms and ammunition to them besides providing liberal financial assistance. China supported these terrorist outfits because of ideological resemblance and to weaken India from within as China considers India as a potential competitor.

MAIN LWE OUTFITS

Following are the main Naxalite organisations but besides these outfits there are several splinter groups which emerge and diminish with passage of time.

(1)Communist Party of India (Maoist) emerged after the merger of three parties namely Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist), The People’s War Group and Maoist Communist Centre. CPI (M), which came into existence in 2004, was declared a terrorist outfit and was banned in July 2009 under Section 41 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.7

(2)People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) which was constituted in December 2000 is an armed wing of CPI (M) and tries to overthrow the democratic government of India. The banned outfit carried out several terrorist activities in various states of India including Orissa, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal. PLGA works in three layers first two layers consist of dedicated cadres which may be approximately 3000 while the third level which is of base level workers may be 30000 or so. According to reports the outfit killed more than 2000 security people and snatched about 2500 fire-arms and large quantity of ammunition. The banned outfit has also trained large number of its cadres in using Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). PLGA claims that by vigorous use of IEDs they have not only killed large number of security personnel but also restricted their movement and were able to establish Janatana Sarkars (Self-government) in large number of villages.

(3) CPI (ML) New Democracy is another important outfit of Naxalites and claims that security agencies had illegally detained its top cadre and all must be released.9 Besides these LWE outfits, other important organisations include CPI (M-L) Janashakti; CPI (M-L) Naxalbari; CPI (M-L) Mahadev Mukherjee, Peoples Liberation Army, just to name few.

It is not feasible to give the exact strength of the various Maoists terrorist outfits however according to an Indian intelligence agency in 2006 Maoists had 20000 armed cadres while there were 50000 regular cadres. The analysts mentioned that in 2010 the strength enhanced to 100000 but it dwindled to about 10000 in 2013. Security forces claim that the figure is further reduced as in 2015 and 2016 large numbers of Naxalites have laid down arms and few of them were killed in encounters.

 SOURCES OF PROCUREMENT OF ARMS & AMMUNITION

 Maoists procure arms and ammunition from several sources including terrorist organisations in India as well as from abroad. Chanakya mentioned that “Your neighbour is your natural enemy” hence both China and Pakistan also supply weapons to Maoists through Myanmar, Nepal and Bangladesh. Various terrorist outfits of North East acquire Chinese arms through Myanmar and supply them to Maoists. Maoists also established contact with Communist Party of Philippines for getting the assistance.

ISI which has launched a low intensity war against India uses contacts of Dawood Ibrahim for supplying weapons to Naxalites. There are reports that Maoists were sent to Pakistan for training through third countries. Few NGOs created by Naxalites also assisted them in procurement of arms. Lashkar-e-Toiba (L-e-T), Indian Mujahedeen and Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) also supplied arms to Maoists.

Maoists also arranged arms through terrorist outfits active in India including Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM); National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) etc.

Maoists also obtained help from Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) before the latter was vanquished by Sri Lankan forces. Several mercenaries who were training LTTE cadres also trained Maoists after the fall of LTTE.

Naxalites also purchase arms and ammunition from international market and then obtain delivery through neighbouring countries. Explosives are procured through coal mines sometimes by payment and occasionally by intimidation.

Naxalites spend huge sums on acquiring weapons, ammunition and explosives. They posses various types of small arms including self loading rifles, Light Machine Guns, Carbines, .303 Rifles, Rocket launchers, Mortar launchers, Hand grenades, Revolvers, Pistols etc.

FINANCIAL RESOURCES OF NAXALITES

LWE leaders first make a comprehensive socio-economic survey of the area before starting the operations. This is the reason that the LWE movement is in mineral rich areas especially in coal belt. According to analysts Naxalites were collecting Rs.1400 Crores in 2007 while the Police sources mention that the amount was Rs.2000 Crores in 2007. According to Intelligence reports the annual collection may be around Rs.2500 Crores. The Maoists collect funds through extortion, ransom, regular collection of levies from businessmen, donations sometimes voluntary but mostly forcibly. Besides this Naxalites also get money from foreign intelligence agencies.

Central and State Governments allot enormous funds for the development in Maoists controlled areas but these funds are not utilized in development but part of it goes to Naxalites and part of it goes in the pockets of corrupt politicians and government officials. Naxalites are also involved in opium farming in their areas of influence and earn huge profits.

According to analysts there are large numbers of illegal mines in India and most of these illegal mines are in Naxal controlled areas and Maoists extract money from these illegal miners. When the legal miners have to pay hefty sum to Naxalites, the fate of illegal miners can only be imagined.

FUNDS SPENT BY NAXALITES

Naxalites spent generously on publicity, maintain websites, publish literature, magazines and periodicals and also operate low frequency radio broadcasting system in the forest areas. Maoists organise conferences, seminars in big cities to built public opinion in their favour. In these seminars so called intellectuals, security organisations baiters converse about pitiable condition of Naxalite controlled areas and about atrocities committed by Security forces. However they refrain talking about t he unlawful activities of Naxalites and carnage done by them.

Naxalites also spend huge sum on technology. The IEDs and rockets are indigenously developed. The money is also spent on modern communications like mobiles, satellite phones etc. The fund is also used to pay their cadres. The Naxalites attract more unemployed youths by paying Rs.3000/ to each cadre as salary and a cut of 20% of the extortion money they collect.

Vehicles, uniforms and medicines are another major component of expenditure. Naxalites have acquired motor cycles with special tyres to make travel easier in dense forests and tough terrain.

DEATHS IN LWE RELATED VIOLENCE

It is not feasible to give the accurate details of the casualty occurred because of LWE violence, as there is extensive use of firearms by both sides. However the analysts gave different figures. According to Al Jazeera more than 10000 persons lost lives between 1980 and 2011 while BBC puts the figure as 6000 between 1990 and 2010. The government agencies claim that between 2005 and 2015 approximately 4510 persons including 2193 Naxalites were killed and 1753 security personnel were also martyred.14 According to South Asia Terrorism Portal between 2005 and 12 February 2017 about 2962 civilians, 1863 security force personnel and 2534 Left Wing Extremists were killed. Nonetheless the number is reducing as in 2010 a total of 1180 persons lost their lives while 430 persons were killed in 2016. In 2017 upto 12 February 45 persons were killed including 17 civilians, 11 Security personnel and 17 Naxalites. In fact now security forces are combing and searching the LWE affected areas consequent upon there are more encounters but in long run it will break the backbone of LWE.

MOST DEADLY ATTACKS BY MAOISTS

The Maoists made several attacks however following were most lethal:

(1) Naxalites killed 12 CRPF men in Sukma Maoists after a succinct peace attacked a 112 member CRPF party near Kotacheru which is one of the most troubled area and killed 12 CRPF men and wounded two other on March 11, 2017. The CRPF party was providing security to the road construction between Bhejji and Kottacheru. The Maoists are against any development of the area, ambushed CRPF party and attacked with AK-47 rifles, bows and arrows. The Naxalites planted IEDs at several places and resorted to heavy firings. After killing CRPF personnel they also took their weapons. Maoists planned a more deadly attack and planted IEDs at several places but the valiant CRPF personnel returned the fire so rapidly that the terrorists had to flee. Nonetheless the home ministry felt that detailed intelligence was lacking and intelligence collection needs to be strengthened.

(2) Naxal attack in District Sukma

On May 25, 2013 around 250 Naxalites attacked a convoy of leaders of Indian National Congress with guns and landmines in Sukma District of Chhattisgarh and killed 28 persons including former Chief Minister and eight police and CRPF personnel. These Naxalites were the members of Dhand Karineya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC) and they mentioned that the prime target was Mahendra Karma who allegedly was the founder of Salwa Judum. The attack was conducted mainly by the Naxalites of Andhra Pradesh and Orissa while the local LWE cadres worked as guides. Special Operation Group (SOG) claimed that 14 Maoists who were responsible for Sukma attack were killed in September 2013 at Salaikota reserve forest in Orissa.

3. Maoist Attack in Bariganwa- Jharkand

Maoists exploded a vehicle killing 13 policemen including incharge of a police station in Bariganwa in Jharkand in January 2012. After the explosion Maoists killed the injured policemen and took their weapons. Naxalites also abducted six policemen from the same place in 2001.

4. Nine policemen martyred in Sunabeda wildlife sanctuary

 Maoists killed nine policemen including an additional superintendent of police in Sunabeda wildlife sanctuary in Chhattisgarh in May 2011. The LWE cadres were using this wildlife sanctuary as a training place as there is thick forest and it is bordering two states. Maoists also attacked policemen in the forests of Aamed in Gariyaband District in September 2011. Two policemen were seriously wounded in the firing which continued for about an hour.

5. Maoists massacred 75 CRPF men in Dantewada

More than 1000 Maoists and their sympathizers equipped with weapons attacked on 80 CRPF personnel in April 2010. The valiant CRPF officials fought till last round but overwhelmed by large number of Maoists who killed 76 CRPF men and looted their weapons.

6. Naxalites attacked Silda Camp

Naxalites killed 24 persons of Eastern Frontier Rifles (EFR) in February 2010 although there were allegations and counter allegations but EFR were able to kill only 4 Maoists while Maoists massacred 24 persons. EFR is part of West Bengal police force.

7.Naxalites Triggered Landmine in West Midnapore

More than four CRPF personnel were martyred in West Midnapore in May 2010 when Maoists triggered off a landmine, damaging the vehicle of CRPF contingent which was on routine patrol. Before the landmine blast Naxalites blown up a bus in Chhattisgarh in which 31 persons including 16 Special Police Officers were killed.

8. Maoists Killed 71 in train crash

Maoists derailed an important passenger train in West Midnapore in West Bengal in May 2010 by removing the fish-plates. Several compartments of the passenger train were derailed and the unfortunate incident killed about 71 persons and more than 150 were injured.

9. Maoists killed 17 policemen in Gadchiroli 200 Maoists equipped with lethal weapons attacked a police patrol near Lahiri village in Gadchiroli district in Maharashtra in October 2009. In gun battle Naxals killed 17 policemen while policemen also killed unknown number of Maoists.

REASONS OF FAILURE OF SECURITY FORCES IN CURBING LWE

The LWE gained ground slowly and steadily but security forces failed to contain the movement because of following reasons

(1)There is dearth of cohesion between state police and the Para military forces posted in the region. In several cases the senior officers of Para Military forces are police officers and may be of same cadre but still the required co-ordination was lacking. The operations of Para Military Forces especially of Cobra Unit of Central Reserve Police Force has weakened the LWE and eliminated several top leaders by attacking their bases. But Naxalites take refuge in another state and re-group there.

(2)There is also paucity of co-operation between different state police forces hence the Maoists after carrying out terrorist acts in one state take refuge in another state.

(3)State Police forces as well as Para Military Forces need immediate modernization which includes proper training, modern armaments, including drones, construction of new Police stations as well as fortifying of existing police posts so that police personnel feel safe in their place of work.

(4)Collection of actionable intelligence is another drawback. Generally the sources which are low level agents supply stale and vague information. However Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has started an intelligence schools where capable CRPF officers as well as officers of other intelligence organisations are imparting training to CRPF officers and men. It is giving good result and CRPF launched several successful operations against Maoists on the basis of actionable intelligence procured by officials of CRPF.

(5) State police have better contacts to collect actionable intelligence but most of the time they do not share the information with Central Forces. There are also instances when the sources were double agents and helped Maoists to lay deadly traps on the security forces.

(6)Naxalites have modern weapons which were provided to them by foreign powers which are hostile to India or they purchased through the funds generated by them.

(7)Maoists are local residents and they have excellent knowledge of the forest areas hence it is easy for them to escape and attack on security forces at vulnerable points. The security forces should also appoint locals as guides and try to obtain maximum knowledge of the terrain.

(8)Naxalites run an efficient intelligence network and they get actionable intelligence pertaining to security forces.

SUCCESS OF SECURITY AGENCIES

The security forces received an astounded success in October, 2016 when they exterminated 24 Maoists in Malkangiri District on Andhra Orissa Border. The killed Maoists leaders included Appa Rao alias Chalapathi his wife Aruna, Gajarala Ashok alias Uday. Chalapathi had an award of Rs.20 lakh while his wife had an award of Rs.5 lakh. Besides these 24 Maoist leaders, security forces also killed about 220 more Maoists in 2016 in whole of India. Security forces also arrested 1750 Maoists and about 1431 LWE cadres surrendered. In this way 2016 was a fruitful year for the security forces while LWE cadres suffered heavily. Nonetheless local police was unable to handle the Maoists without the active involvement of CRPF. Consequently more than 100 battalions of Central Armed Police Force were deployed in LWE affected areas.

The security forces launched intelligence based successful operations against Maoists which yielded desired results. In 2010 about 1180 persons were killed while the number was reduced to 251 in 2015. According to South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP) Security Forces neutralized 677 (84 killed, 391 arrested and 202 surrendered) Maoists between 2010 and 2016.

In 2017 also the security forces continued pressure on Maoists. According to reports seven top Maoists including Kanhu Munda and Fogra Munda who had reward of Rs.25 lakh and Rs.10 lakh respectively surrendered on February 15 before East Singhbhum district police. Out of other five Maoists four were also carrying reward of Rs.2 Lakh each on their heads.

On February 21 Security forces killed seven Maoists in Narayanpur district of Chhattisgarh after fierce exchange of fire.

The Security forces have launched search operations in LWE controlled areas and in search operations the Maoists as well as their support agents are caught. Several times the extremists surrender and in case of gun-battle the Maoists are killed.

PUBLIC RESENTMENT ABOUT NAXALITES

In the early stage Maoist leaders were idealists and were dedicated but very soon they started extortion and brutality on the local residents. There was also public resentment towards Naxalites as the local population felt that the progress of the area is hampered because of Maoists. The Maoists do not allow construction of roads and bridges, schools and colleges; LWE cadres attacked more than 100 times on security forces and killed over 1160 civilians between 2008 and 2013 as suspected to be police informers nonetheless majority of them were innocent citizens but were exterminated as they refused to obey the dictates of Maoists.

Several organisations have emerged to struggle Naxalites and following are prominent among them:

(1)Salwa Judum emerged in Chhattisgarh in 2005 to counter LWE. The locals organised themselves against the atrocities and anti developmental agenda of the Naxalites. They also called themselves as of ‘Tangiya Group’. The Salwa Judum activists mention that Maoists hold “Jan Adalts” in which they pronounce unfair judgments and implement them through the barrel of guns. They also hinder all developmental activities with ulterior motive of keeping the area under their command. Maoists attack them as they are resisting their dominance in the villages. The self styled human right activists and persons sympathetic to Maoists allege that Salwa Judum was constituted on behest of security agencies and all types of assistance including arms & ammunition and training was provided by the security forces. However a fact finding commission of the National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) appointed by Supreme Court clearly mentioned that Salwa Judum was a spontaneous reaction of the locals against the violence committed by the Maoists.

(2)Ranvir Sena which came into existence in Bihar was the most successful and powerful private army of upper caste land owners emerged to counter the Maoists who were torturing and slaughtering the general public especially landowners of upper castes. Ranvir Sena effectively controlled People’s War Group (PWG), the Maoist Communist Centre (MCC). The organisation was banned by government of India. Besides Ranvir Sena other private armies also emerged in the area to counter the m enace of LWE.

(3) In Andhra Pradesh also various groups like Fear Vikas, Green Tigers, Nalladandu, Red Tigers, Tirumala Tigers, Palnadu Tigers etc. have emerged to fight the Naxalites. These organisations also killed few human right activists who always raised voices in favour of LWE.

WAY FORWARD

(1)Central government must chalk out a comprehensive plan after consulting all the LWE effected states, political parties, good intentioned NGOs operative in the area and once the policy is chalked out then all the stake holders must put their best so that the problem is sorted out once for all.

(2)There must be a two prong strategy to handle LWE problem (i) Security forces must be equipped with latest weapons including mine protected vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, technical gadgets and Naxalite problem must be handled as a law and order problem. The Central forces should launch joint search operations with local police and try to arrest Maoists as well as their support agents. The officers should lead the troops from the front and operations must be planned meticulously. The Maoist leaders as well as support agents must be arrested and in case of arms encounter they should be exterminated.

(ii) The state and Central governments should launch comprehensive development plans for LWE affected areas. More educational institutions should be opened, there must be employment generation programme, the government officials should understand the problems of local poor and deprived persons and their behaviour must be humane. The fruits of development must reach to the poor and deprived masses.

The Naxalite leaders have taken advantage of lack of development hence there must be economic development of the area so that poor tribals are also benefitted and Maoists loose community support which is essential for their survival. Besides it, the achievements of the government must be publicized so that the propaganda of LWE can be countered.

(3) The communication facilities in LWE affected areas should be enhanced, there should be more road and rail links, more mobile towers and more internet facilities should be created.

(4) There should be skill development courses for young people so that the local tribals get good jobs. More vocational colleges should be opened.

(5) Self employment schemes should be launched; small scale labour intensive industries should be established instead of capital intensive big projects which generate less employment.

(6) Government must stop money supply to Maoists. Naxalites collect huge sums from companies operating in their areas, mining mafia pays protection money, there is income from forest products including cutting of trees and foreign powers unfavorable to India also render assistance. The latest demonetization affected adversely to Naxalites and there are several cases when they forced local businessmen to convert their banned currency notes.

(7) Few unscrupulous businessmen put factories in Naxal controlled areas to avoid taxes and harassment from government agencies. Recently a squad of Directorate General of Central Excise unearthed a factory of Gutka in Baleinga village in Bastar District which is a stronghold of Naxalites. LWE charges protection money from these illegal factories. Security agencies must stop these factories and arrest the factory owners. Government officials who changed land use and given electric connection to the factory owner should also be penalized.

(8) Government agencies and well intentioned NGOs should also expose the futility of LWE ideology and negative deeds of their leaders and cadres so that Naxalites loose public sympathy. Naxalites do not allow any developmental work including construction of roads, bridges, educational institutions, railway tracks; health clinics etc. but government agencies must built roads and if local contractors fail to build roads then an organisation similar to Border Road Organisation should be created and roads, bridges must be constructed. In fact Naxalites do not allow that the root cause of Naxalism i.e. underdevelopment should be addressed. These facts must be brought out to the public so that Naxalites loose public support which is most important for their survival. The responsible press must project good work done by the government and the disingenuous intentions of Naxalites must be exposed.

(9) Rehabilitation of surrendered LWE cadres is a weak link generally they do not get the promised facilities and there are several cases when the surrendered Maoists returned back to terrorism. Once they rejoin LWE they discourage prospective surrenders. Hence government agencies must full-fill the promises and make the ground that they resettle so well that other Naxalites also leave the path of terrorism and join the mainstream.\

(10) Greyhounds of Andhra Pradesh was successful in controlling LWE in the province, hence other states including Central forces should use the techniques adopted by Greyhounds.

(11) The security forces must adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as violation of it may lead to successful attack by Naxalites which demoralizes the force personnel. Several times Maoists attack security forces to project to the masses that they are more powerful than security forces in the area. Sometimes they attack as they do not want the development in the area including establishment of police posts or simply to snatch the weapons. The Security forces should be more vigilant so the attempts of Maoists are foiled.

(12) Government should pressurise Maoists through vigorous search operations and when they are tired and fatigued they can be persuaded for surrender so that they can lead a normal life.

(13) Use of Air Power in Operations against LWE

The Naxalites are operating in difficult terrain and as they are locals or few locals work with them as guides or comrades it is not difficult for them to move but it is not only hard but also very dangerous for the security agencies to operate in the area. Hence it was suggested to use air power including drones against Naxalites but several people oppose by saying that use of Air Power against own countrymen is unfair. Secondly it will destroy forests and will also kill innocent civilians. Nonetheless Naxalites are active from last 40 years and could not be eliminated hence there is no harm if hard measures are taken and Air Force is used to detect and exterminate the rebels and rescue the injured security personnel.

(14) The Central government’s Integrated Action Plan (IAP) announced in February 2009 for all the Naxal affected states is an encouraging initiative. The IAP includes both development projects at grass-roots level as well as providing modern gadgets and weapons to the security forces. The plan is achieving success and in 2010 Karnataka was removed from the list as impact of Naxalism was over from the state which is laudable. In July 2011 number of districts under influence of LWE and deaths inflicted by LWE cadres were also reduced which clearly indicates the success of IAP.

(15) Government has launched Security Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme under which central government provides funds for insurance, training, community policing and other operational needs of the security forces. Money is also spent in the rehabilitation of surrendered Naxalites which is a good initiative.

(16) There are several NGOs working in LWE affected areas and few of them were sponsored by Naxalites while few NGOs are funded by foreign agencies inimical towards the interests of India. The workers of these NGOs generate lot of hue and cry when security forces take actions against Naxalites but keep quite when Naxalites kill security forces personnel. Intelligence Bureau has submitted a report about various NGOs working against national interest and now government should take stern action against these NGOs.

(17) Efforts should be made to inculcate patriotism, communal harmony; national integration etc. in the tribals of LWE affected areas so that the youth joins the mainstream instead of going in the clutches of Naxalites.

However the chances that Left Wing Extremism would end soon are remote as it is not only a law and order problem. There must be an allround development of the area and the inhabitants of Naxal affected areas must join the mainstream so that Maoists cannot get new recruits. The security forces have to counter the well chalked out strategy of Maoists under which they collect intelligence and plan the operation in such a way that they inflict heavy damage to the security forces.