Naxalism: A Problem Which Requires A Democratic Solution

By Astitwa:

It is high time that we should stop romanticizing with the idea of Naxalism and so must the Naxalites who have chosen an ideology that is impossible to flourish in a nation that has been the cradle of democracy ever since its inception. For almost two decades, we have had an endless debate on the Maoist issue. But there hasn’t been any significant achievement in the peace process.

Just like Mao Zedong or Stalin justified beheading and killing millions of people in the name of Socialism, the Naxalites are doing the same, with no imminent results. The political parties, especially their leaders need to change their attitude against this grave problem affecting the economic growth of the secluded areas. Instead of using Maoists as a tool to garner vote banks and win tenders for projects in their regional areas, the politicians must ensure that their efforts are aimed to bridge the gap between the socially excluded, marginalized tribal communities and the mainstream society.

Maoists are hell bent to dehumanize the value of life by using violent methods. Has development ever been achieved without healthy debates and spotting the right opportunities? It is true and easily evident that the striking inequality that exists in the Naxal affected areas has left no choice for the tribal youth but to participate in a propaganda that promises them financial and social security.

The Maoists have always used the ‘oligarchy’ label on state governments to prove their ideology and use of violence, which is nothing but a farce. It is true that the successive Indian governments have never been perfect in all their plans and executions, but collectively we have seen the poverty levels in India to drop from 37.2% in 2004-2005 to 29.8% in 2009-2010. How can the state governments work on improving the conditions of the poor areas if Maoists won’t allow integrated officers like Alex Paul Menon to work impartially?

The Indian government must make dedicated efforts to get rid of the misconceptions surrounding the government’s image in such areas. By posting responsible and integrated officers, administrators and policy makers in poor areas, it can surely pave the path for their holistic growth. But at the same time, it must ensure that environmental and human rights of those residing in these areas must not be affected. The Maoist movement is just a reflection of deeper economic and governance flaws and the government can surely eliminate them.