No army in anti-Maoists operation; a right step

The federal government’s decision of not deploying army and air force in tackling Maoists is a praiseworthy effort. Right from the very beginning both the army and air force were reluctant in accepting active participation in anti-Maoist operations as they knew that if any such operation is launch then only poor, deprived and marginalised civilians particularly tribes residing in remote forest regions would suffer.

They were right as Maoists always use civilians as their safety shields. The red cadres have deep influence in tribal areas, among those who are residing in remote forest regions and are deprived of economic development or in many cases deprived of basic amenities viz. Food, Shelter and Clothes. I am doubtful whether these masses of the growing economic superpower of the world are capable of meeting their daily food requirements.

The majority of tribes doesn’t even aware of the outside world, their rights; they just know about their natural resources, which they claimed as their own. They oppose compulsory acquisition by legislature in the name of economic reforms.

Maoists gained some support by pledging their support to local villagers in their resistence against land acquisition by large companies. And there is no denying of the fact that communication gap coupled with corruption, justice denial and police atrocities on innocent masses only added fuel to the fire.

Civilians, residing in Maoist-infested belts, are caught between both stones of the mill and most of the times they find themselves on cross roads as both rebels and police are well aware about the power of the gun and both perties know how to use this.

Media reports suggest that there are some 20,000 fighters, out of which only some 8000 are hardcore fighters and are well versed in handling automatic weapons and explosives, rest are armored with traditional bows and arrows. So, it is unfair to use full-fledged power to crush rebels equipped with traditional weapons. The weapons that army uses are meant for causing maximum lethalties and in any case innocent civilians would only be the ultimate sufferers.

I think the country which gave the concept of ahimsa or non-violence to the world prefers diplomatic efforts to a full-fledged war. Nation’s interest must be given full priority and the government must appoint some envoys to reach rebels. I think the nation, which is the birth place of Gautam Buddha and Mahavira, must appoint goodwill ambassadors and try to reduce the communication gap.

This is the high time to take concrete steps as the Naxal (Maoist) Movement, which started in Naxalbari town of West Bengal, and has now spread in rural swathes of 20 of India's 28 states. The movement may derail the process of economic growth of Asia’s second largest growing economy.

Hundreds died in a series of violent incident involving red cadres killing police personnel and activists of opposition parties in central Chattissgarh and eastern West Bangal state. Recently a rail accident claims more than 70 lives in West Bengal state that claimed more than 70 lives. Officials claimed that the incident occurred after rebels sabotaged the track.