Q19. What are the determinants of left-wing extremism in the Eastern part of India? What strategy should the Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas?

Model Answer:

Introduction

Left-wing extremism, often referred to as Maoist insurgency in India, primarily affects the eastern part of the country, including states like Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and West Bengal. The determinants and strategies to counter this threat are multi-faceted.

Body

Determinants of Left-Wing Extremism:

1. Economic Disparity: High levels of poverty and underdevelopment in these regions create fertile ground for extremist ideologies. Marginalised communities often find Maoist groups appealing due to their promises of social justice and economic equality.
2. Land and Resource Conflicts: Disputes over land and natural resources, especially in tribal areas, are a significant driver. The exploitation of resources without adequate benefits to local communities fuels discontent and insurgency.
3. Lack of Governance and Infrastructure: Poor governance, inadequate infrastructure, and weak administrative presence in remote areas contribute to the failure to address local grievances, making it easier for extremist groups to gain influence.
4. Historical Alienation: Historical neglect and marginalisation of tribal communities by successive governments have led to deep-rooted grievances. Maoist groups exploit these sentiments to recruit and mobilise support.
5. Political Factors: Weak or corrupt local political structures can exacerbate the problem. In some cases, political leaders may be complicit or ineffective in dealing with the insurgency.
6. Geographic and Demographic Factors: The dense forest cover and difficult terrain in these areas provide a strategic advantage to insurgents, allowing them to evade security forces and operate from safe havens.

Strategies to Counter Left-Wing Extremism:

1. Integrated Development Approach: Implement comprehensive development programs focusing on infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic opportunities in affected areas. This includes improving connectivity and providing essential services to bridge the development gap.
2. Effective Governance: Strengthen local governance by empowering local self-governments, improving transparency, and addressing corruption. Ensuring that government schemes and benefits reach the intended beneficiaries can undermine the appeal of extremist groups.
3. Security Operations: Conduct targeted security operations with a focus on intelligence gathering and operational coordination between various security agencies. Special attention should be given to minimising civilian casualties and avoiding alienation of local communities.
4. Community Engagement: Develop community outreach programs to address local grievances and involve local leaders and influencers in countering extremism. Building trust between security forces and local populations is crucial for gaining support and cooperation.
5. Psychological and Social Interventions: Implement programs aimed at deradicalizing individuals and preventing recruitment into extremist groups. This can include educational programs, vocational training, and social reintegration efforts.
6. Legal and Policy Measures: Strengthen legal frameworks to address issues related to land rights and resource management. Enforce laws to protect tribal rights and ensure fair distribution of resources.
7. Coordination Among Agencies: Enhance coordination between the central government, state governments, and security forces to ensure a unified and effective response. This includes sharing intelligence and resources to tackle the insurgency comprehensively.
8. International Cooperation: Engage in cross-border cooperation to address any external support or influence that may be aiding the insurgency. This can involve sharing information and strategies with neighbouring countries if relevant.

Conclusion

Combining these strategies with a sustained commitment to addressing the root causes of left-wing extremism can help in effectively mitigating the threat and promoting long-term stability in the affected regions.

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