Maoists Killing Spree Continues- 26 CRPF Jawans Killed In Bastar

Maoists’ Killing Spree Continues- 26 CRPF Jawans killed In Bastar

Govt’s lackadaisical approach to the Maoists menace has encouraged them to kill Jawans and innocent people with impunity. Maoists, adopting their tested strategy against CRPF men, on Tuesday attacked a patrol party off guard in the jungles of Bastar killing more than 26 CRPF personnel. This is one of the major massacres carried out by the Maoists after May 28, 2010 when they blew up railway track derailing Jaeshwari Express killing 148 passengers.

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Today Maoists have posed greatest internal security threat facing the Nation. According to a Govt survey more than 150 districts are affected by Maoists movement. This may be a little exaggeration, however, in recent times Maoists have gained more strength and increased their area of influence in some 40 or 50 districts. Their main influence is on the tribal community which has always been neglected by the successive Governments. Tribals have no voice; they are treated like outcast, some kind of animals kept confined to jungles away from the light of urbanization except when showcased on the Republic day parade. They are far more at disadvantage than the untouchables or Dalits; more than 50 percent tribals live below official poverty line. Of late two States of Chhattisgarh Dantewara and Bastar have become favourite arena of Maoists action. The poor tribals are used by them to fulfil their nefarious designs of acquiring power through the gun. Policemen are strangulated in police stations, civilians killed by land mines on the roads; CRPF Jawans are ambushed and fired upon. The developmental work undertaken by the Government is demolished at will. Schools, hospitals are destroyed by Maoists before they become functional. Tragically the State Government of Chhattisgarh raised a vigilante army of local youth called ‘Salwa Judum’ to counter the Maoists. These State sponsored groups who roam around with the police terrorise the villagers and burn the houses of real or alleged sympathisers of Maoists. The creation of State backed vigilante group has increased violence in Dantewara. Villagers are forced to either choose Maoists or the Salwa Judum.

How the condition of poor villagers who are caught in the crossfire can improve? The answer perhaps lies in the fast development of the neglected region and giving more political power to the inhabitants of the Maoists infested villages so that the left out citizens of the country can share the fruits of economic development. The tribals have provided their land for mining and hydel power plants without any gain to them. Ironically they are the sufferers of economical development. The Govt should view the gravity of the situation and initiate appropriate steps to tackle the problem considering their long term effect, with strong political will.

After derailing of Janeshwari Express by Maoists, use of armed forces to curb the growing threat by the insurgent group was strongly favoured by some. On the other hand some heavy weight politicians vehemently opposed use of army against them. The idea of using armed forces was shelved in favour of offer of dialogue with the Maoists. In the past also after every major killing event Govt invited the Maoists for a dialogue and as usual the offer was spurned by them. Encouraged by Govt‘s soft paddling the issue, the Maoists are gaining strength after every successful strike. The Govt needs to handle the situation more realistically. While Maoists insurgency has to be dealt with iron hand, the development of the tribal region should be on fast track to remove disparity with other parts of the country as a long term solution to the out grown menace of the Maoists movement.