Running over half a decade, the Maoist insurgency started as a rebellion to fight the injustice towards the landless poor. The Maoist rebellion began as an uprising of the peasants in Naxalbari village in West Bengal, where the term Naxalite comes from.
Despite adverse effects on civilian life in afflicted areas, Maoists were largely ignored by successive governments until two decades ago. In 2007, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called the Maoist movement the largest internal security threat.
While dealing with Maoist affected regions, successive governments have focused on the security aspect. Government efforts have largely been focused on ending the guerrilla warfare by using central reserve forces. The government also encourages Maoists to surrender.
After half a decade, Maoist regions have nearly reduced to half. Civilians in afflicted regions continue to grapple with the after effects.
Making a state or region free of conflict is only the beginning. There are generations who have lost their lives to the conflict. There is a need to rehabilitate them and restore their livelihood. 90% of government funds for Maoist afflicted regions is meant for strengthening the police force. Whilst internal security is important, it is only a short term solution.
The genesis of the Maoist movement was the lack of fair livelihood. Without proper education and job opportunities, the government risks losing the young back to guerrilla warfare. Maoists often hire unemployed youth disgruntled with the existing status quo. The biggest challenge is to get the youth in afflicted areas back to the mainstream.
The government has sanctioned several infrastructure projects in Maoist afflicted areas. The argument being that building dams and roads would make way for development and eradicate left wing extremism. However, let’s understand who gains from the projects.
These infrastructure projects are let out to PSUs and private companies. Local labour may only be hired manual labour at piecemeal rates. Once the infrastructure project is done, where is the succession planning for future jobs?
The government also plans to open up as many banks and ATMs possible in these districts. Financial inclusion is essential. However, without aiding grassroot level education, the youth may not even be eligible for these jobs.
Thousands of civilians are displaced due to the Maoist insurgency. These civilians lack access to shelter and clean drinking water. Studies reveal they are the most vulnerable to malnutrition and other health hazards. Further, the violence also results in mental trauma. Many of them watch their families die. With no counseling or guidance in sight, they may never have the means to deal with this trauma.
The Maoist issue is manifold and the government must take a step back and take a holistic approach. Blindly pumping money into security forces will certainly not lead to a long term solution. Rehabilitation of the people in Maoist afflicted regions would be the way forward. The government must build plans for sustainable development through better health, education and job opportunities in these regions.