Naxalism & Maoism in India Explained | History of Left Wing Extremism & Red Corridor | Perspective

Summary

This script delves into the history and evolution of left-wing extremism in India, particularly Naxalism, tracing its roots to Marxist theory and its manifestations through phases from 1967 to the present. It highlights the government's strategic measures, such as the Samadhan Doctrine and initiatives like the Aspirational District Program, in combating this menace, resulting in a significant decline in Naxal-related violence. The speaker emphasizes the need to address the root causes of alienation to prevent support for such extremism and suggests institutional strengthening, ideological counteraction, and rehabilitation as the way forward.

Takeaways

• 🔍 The script discusses the recent killing of 29 Maoist leaders in the K District of Bastar division in Chhattisgarh, India, in April 2024, including top commanders, indicating a significant police encounter.
• 📊 There has been a 70% decline in Maoist-related cases and a 75% decrease in related deaths from 2013 to 2022, showcasing the Indian government's success in tackling left-wing extremism.
• 🌟 The script traces the origins of left-wing extremism back to the philosophies of Karl Marx, with his theories on class struggle and the need for an armed revolution to establish communism.
• 📚 It outlines the three key pillars necessary for a revolution to start and sustain: ideological base, people's support, and prominent leadership, which have been present in the spread of Naxalism in India.
• 📉 The script divides the spread of left-wing extremism in India into three phases: 1967-1973, 1970s-late 1990s, and 2004 to the present, each with distinct characteristics and developments.
• 🛑 The first phase of Naxalism began with class conflicts in Naxalbari, West Bengal, under the leadership of Charu Majumdar, Kanu Sanyal, and others, leading to violent agitations and the spread of Naxalism.
• 🚨 The second phase saw the spread of Naxalism across India, with the formation of the People's War Group (PWG) by Kapi Lalita, and the establishment of countermeasures like the Greyhound force in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
• 🔥 The third phase, from 2004 onwards, marked the formation of the CPI (Maoist) and an increase in violent incidents, with the government acknowledging Naxalism as a significant internal security threat.
• 🏛️ The script highlights the 'Sama-dan' doctrine, which includes strategies like smart leadership, aggressive strategy, motivation, actionable intelligence, and technology harnessing to counter Naxalism.
• 🏫 The establishment of residential model schools and initiatives like the Aspirational District Program are part of the measures taken to uplift the socio-economic status of regions affected by Naxalism.
• 🛡️ The way forward to end Naxalism involves addressing the root causes of alienation, strengthening institutions, providing a counter-ideology, and rehabilitation of those who have been part of Naxalite groups.

Q & A

What significant event occurred in the K District of Busta division in Chhattis Gad in April 2024?

At least 29 Maoist leaders were killed in a police encounter in the K District of Busta division in Chhattis Gad in April 2024, including top commanders.

Who was the senior rebel leader Shankar ra, and what was notable about him?

Shankar ra was a senior rebel leader who was killed in the encounter. He had a bounty of 25 lakh on his head, indicating his importance within the Maoist ranks.

What is the significance of the 70% decline in Naxal-related cases from 2013 to 2022?

The 70% decline in Naxal-related cases signifies a remarkable achievement by the Indian government in tackling left-wing extremism and insurgency, demonstrating effective counter-insurgency strategies and measures.

What are the three key pillars necessary for a revolution to start or sustain?

The three key pillars necessary for a revolution are an ideological base, people's support, and prominent leadership. These elements provide direction, popular backing, and guidance for the revolution.

How did the philosophy of Karl Marx influence the development of left-wing extremism and Naxalism in India?

Karl Marx's philosophy of class struggle and the need for an armed revolution to overthrow the capitalist class influenced the development of left-wing extremism and Naxalism in India. It provided the ideological foundation for movements that sought to challenge the existing social and economic order.

What was the first phase of Naxalism in India, and what were its key events?

The first phase of Naxalism in India was from 1967 to 1973. It began with a class conflict in Naxalbari, West Bengal, under the leadership of Charu Majumdar, Kanu Sanyal, and others, and was characterized by violent agitations against landlords, moneylenders, and authorities.

What is the 'Red Corridor', and how is it related to Naxalism in India?

The 'Red Corridor' refers to the area infested by Naxalite activities, particularly in the forest belts of states like Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. It represents regions where Naxalites have a strong presence and have been able to spread their influence.

What were the major causes that contributed to the spread of Naxalism in India?

The major causes contributing to the spread of Naxalism in India include tribal discontent due to displacement and marginalization, administrative vacuum and governance issues, and economic factors such as unemployment, poverty, and underdevelopment.

What steps have been taken by the Indian government to counter Naxalism in the last decade?

The Indian government has taken several steps to counter Naxalism, including the National Policy and Action Plan by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Aspirational Districts Program, the Samadhan Doctrine, and initiatives like the Salwa Judum in Chhattisgarh to involve local tribal groups in counter-insurgency.

Why has Naxalism not ended in India despite the government's efforts, and what should be the way forward?

Naxalism has not ended in India because of the deep-rooted issues of alienation and marginalization among certain sections of the population. The way forward involves addressing these root causes by strengthening institutions, providing a counter-ideology to Naxalism, and focusing on rehabilitation and skill development for those who have been part of Naxalite groups.