Radicalisation in India, Linkages Between Development and Spread of Extremism – Naxalism, Steps taken by the Government

In the Indian scenario, extremism activities(e.g. Naxalism, Radicalisation) are increasing rapidly. The scale of the extremists' operations is massive and consequently, these activities have a perilous impact on the nation's social, economic, and political development.

Improvement in standard of living is something that everyone craves and deserves it too. It involves, apart from decent food, clothing, and shelter, quality education and health, and also dignified living. It is the absence of these things that incited masses against the colonial government. Independence of India brought with it huge popular expectations for upliftment from poverty, from a new democratic government. Our leaders were wisely dedicated to democratic principles for redistribution of resources.

Unfortunately, democratic processes are too slow to observe any tangible results soon. Under this, it is to be ensured that, in order to deliver justice to downtrodden people, injustice is not done even with privileged ones. This requires every action to be taken transparently and every affected person be given a reasonable opportunity of being heard and also the right to recourse to courts.

Land reforms were a major plank through which the Congress brought rural masses under its fold. But after independence, this subject went under the state's domain. Politics of every state deferred and it was the driving force for the extent and direction of land reforms. States which failed to deliver much at this front were to bear the brunt of left-wing movement in the coming times.

Further, from the very beginning focus was on the development of big industries in backward areas. This development included the operation of mines, the building of big dams, steel plants, fertilizer plants, etc away from urban centers, yet these continued to feed the needs of urban India exclusively. So, tribals and farmers were losers in this arrangement as they were frequently displaced. According to an estimate, since independence, about 3-4 crore tribals have been displaced due to various hydro projects.

Apart from this, the Indian state repeatedly failed to deliver its services such as maintaining law and order, social infrastructure, relief during epidemics, or disasters in remote areas. These made people indifferent to the democratic principles and some of them even got averse to the state when they were indoctrinated. These places were the breeding ground of Naxalism where they established their bases.

The government’s efforts for the preservation of forests and wildlife have also led to some sort of resentment in tribals. Some of their areas came under wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. This made our government appear to be working for animals at the cost of tribals.

Evolution of Indian Extremism:

Extremist Left-wing movement was present at time of Independence mainly in Hyderabad and Patiala princely state. Communists affiliated with CPI here came to rescue oppressed peasants from Jagirdars and Biswedars. In Hyderabad, they fought against Islamic militia, the Razakars. When the Indian army liberated Hyderabad in 1948, communists who were deeply influenced by the Russian Revolution, decided to continue their struggle against the capitalist Indian government. Similarly in Punjab, a small band of the militia was formed to protect farmers from oppressive Biswedars and soon it got eradicated.

=> Naxalbari Incident

Naxalbari, a village near Siliguri North West Bengal, became infamous in 1967 as it revived left-wing extremism in India. Charu Mazumdar was an active leader of the area and was mobilizing peasants against the state for an armed conflict.

In 1972, Charu was caught and he died under custody. After this, the movement went underground. Heavy state response kept violent incidents under control in the 1970s but it got pushed in the 1980s. This time it was from Andhra Pradesh. Actually, in 1967 itself movement also started in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh. Here revolutionaries tried to mobilize tribals into armed militias called ‘Dalams’, by inciting them against landlords, money lenders, and the government.

=> Current Situation

Naxalism has spread to 17 states in India, including Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal to name the few main ones, affecting nearly 185 out of 602 districts.

Nearly 60% of the armed contingent(आकस्मिक) of the Naxalites is in Northern Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. In fact, according to the 2008 Internal Security Report, Naxalite violence in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand was as high as 58. 56 percent and most of the casualties were due to the use of landmines and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in these states.

Why are Naxalites concentrated in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand? This is because they run extortion networks under which main targets are mining companies and firms. These companies or sites of work are in far off locations which make them easy to be compelled. Also, parts of these states are quite socio-economically most backward. So, it turns people more vulnerable to their ideologies.

=> Stated Purpose of Naxalite Movement

The Naxalites state their main political purpose as establishing an alternative state structure in India by creating a “red corridor” in Naxalite-affected states, stretching from the border of Nepal to central India to Karnataka in the south through violent struggle. This requires local support, Naxalite rebel leaders take up causes like protecting people’s rights of Jal, Jungle, and Jamin (water, forest, and land) and providing justice through their committee's courts. Local support is crucial for the Naxalites for cadre recruitment, intelligence, logistics, and territorial control.  

In initial phases, they wage guerilla warfare and inflict surprise attacks. This is to make the enemy weaker and project their claim over an area. This is also used by them to make common people under their influence believe that the state is not all-mighty and it is possible to defeat the state. It is said that Indian forces have so far just faced 5% of Maoist cadres, that too of the second rung. They possibly have more sophisticated, better armed, and trained elite force, which they are yet to brandish. 

Worse is that they are amicable to any anti-India force which serves their purpose. Whether they are terrorist organizations, organized crime mafias, Human/animal traffickers, smugglers, or any foreign state enemy of India, all have some or other nexus with Maoists. They can make use of counterfeit notes, provide passage to illicit materials, give refuge to anti-national elements, and carry out contract killings to get what they want in return. This way they can arrange for money or modern weapons.

=> Recruitments by Naxals

Naxals often use pressure for employing new cadres. They introduced compulsory service to one member from every Adivasi family. This caused much resentment in Adivasis which decreased their influence. Once on rebellion by people against this practice, 70 villagers were killed by Maoists.

Apart from this, they use every possible means including political indoctrination, promises of better future, remuneration, alliances with other violent groups, etc.

=> Where’s the fault of the government?

This comes out to be an apt statement if we see Indian experience. The movement exists only in those districts where there is an administrative and developmental vacuum. If India’s growth had trickled down a bit to these areas, then the story would have been altogether different.

As a development strategy, the government has stressed on the urgent implementation of development projects/policies of the government including

=> Backward Regions Grants Fund –  

It is designed to redress regional imbalances in development. The fund will provide financial resources for supplementing and converging existing developmental inflows into 250 identified districts. This aims at filling local infrastructural gaps, strengthening local government institutions, and building mechanisms for professional help to these local bodies.

=> Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act of 1996 (PESA)

This act (PESA) exempted scheduled areas (schedule v) from certain provisions of the 73rd amendment. It also modified certain other provisions. Through PESA certain powers are given to gram sabha, which under the 73rd amendment might not have been available to them (because of state’s discretion).

=> National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme

=> The Schedule Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 – In short Forest Rights Act

The law concerns the rights of forest-dwelling communities to land and other resources, denied to them over decades as a result of the continuance of colonial forest laws in India.

This act recognized the rights of tribals over minor forest produce. Recently, Forest Minor produce was also covered under the Minimum selling price regime.

=> New land acquisition act which includes, consent, enhanced compensation, social impact assessment, and Rehabilitation & Resettlement of displaced.

Counter operations by Center/State government:

Maintenance of law and order is the domain of state governments, yet the central government has deployed troops of CRPF in these areas. These troops are attached to police stations or to district police. They just act as a support system to state police. Also, the center has deployed there CoBRA – Commando Battalion for Resolute Actions are also deployed. These are elite forces specializing in guerrilla and jungle warfare.

It may be asked that, then why AFSPA is implemented in J&K and North East areas, but not in Maoist affected areas? This is because they already are on international borders and anti-state elements there are actively being supported by a foreign power.

=> Operation Green Hunt

It was the name used by the Indian media to describe the “all-out offensive” by the government of India’s paramilitary forces and the state’s forces against the Naxalites. The operation is believed to have begun in November 2009 along with five states in the Red Corridor.

=> GreyHound Police

The Greyhounds are an elite commando force of Andhra Pradesh, India created to combat left-wing extremists. It is considered the best anti-Naxal force in the country, even above the CRPF’s CoBRA which has more men, budget, and better arms than the Greyhounds. Greyhound is a simple but effective organization and recruits the best of the best from the Andhra Pradesh Police. Greyhound commandos often exclaim that their strength does not lie in them being a special force with special training, but it lies in the fact that it is more of a guerrilla force than a special force. 

=> Surrender Policy

Naxal-affected states have also announced surrender policies. The Jharkhand government offered Rs 50000 to surrendered Naxalites plus a monthly allowance of Rs.2000, one acre of agricultural land, and educational and health benefits to their children. The Chhattisgarh government offered up to Rs.3 lakh for weapon surrender. The Orissa government announced Rs. 10000 for surrender, Rs.20000 for arms surrender, and Rs 2 lakh of bank loan without interest for two years.

But there is no effective intelligence mechanism to identify Naxal cadres. Often, tribal youths surrender as Naxal cadres; many of them even join the Naxal movement to reap these benefits.

Causes of extremism:

There are numerous reasons for the development of Extremism in India:

=> Lack of governance:

Governance is mainly concerned with the significant issue as that lacks a long term strategic perspective. The priority of Government bodies is to focus on Industrialization and do not give much importance to people living in tribal areas. Tribals have been denied their constitutional rights and justice.

=> Socio-economic issues:

When considering socio-economic issues, education must be the prime involvement and this needs to be addressed with innovation. Once the populace is literate and well educated in a particular region, they will be able to think logically and do not involve violent actions. Most of these people who are entering into the movement of extremism are lacking primary education, basic amenities, and infrastructure facilities.

Economic discontent was a prevailing factor that led to the growth of militant nationalism. Towards the end of the 19th-century economic conditions of the people became miserable due to unemployment and repressive financial measures of the Government.

The following causes can be observed for the growth of extremism:

> Political deprivation leading to hopelessness or a sense of powerlessness.

> Long festering political disputes.

> Lack of Education and poverty.

> Ideological imperatives may lead to extremism.

> Socio-economic inequities, unemployment, despair about the future.

> Dishonest and self-serving dominant groups.

> Foreign occupations.

> Sense of victimhood amongst Muslims.

> Renaissance of Islam phobia in Europe.

Types of Extremism:

> Personal Extremism

> Family Extremism

> Institutional or Organizational Extremism

> Group Extremism

> Social or Cultural Extremism

> National Extremism

> International Extremism

Developmental issues associated with the development and spread of extremism:

=> Natural Calamities:

During the last decade of the 19th century, the affliction of people was filled to the brim. Famine, plague, earthquake, war, and repressions were let loose in the country. These natural calamities were accompanied by the intensified exploitation and suppression by the Government. Such devastating conditions led to the development of extremists.

=> Special Economic Zones:

The spread of extremism is a major issue for any country. Land acquisition for Special Economic Zones created chaos among tribal people and they came to the street for protest. Large tracts of land are being acquired across the country. There is a loss of revenue in the form of taxes and it greatly impacts agricultural production. The land is a living resource for farmers and their life is dependent upon the land. Special Economic Zones need a single huge block of land and the government is now taking stern steps to acquire the land.  Government compensation is also not justified as it is very low. Such factors enforce people to become violent and give rise to their extremist activities.

=> Labour, Unemployment and wages:

Another intense issue that spreads extremism is joblessness which creates insecurity of living. People may develop dissatisfaction and anger both in urban and rural areas. In the allocation of government jobs, there has been shown some favoritism and this activity leads to dissatisfaction among youth as they are being ignored.

=> Policing:

Improper policies and their ineffective implementation may result in extremist activities among weaker sections of society. It is very necessary that the government must consider poor people when devising policies for the economic growth of a country. Weaker section of people does not have much confidence in the police. People have no faith that justice will be done to them against the powerful person in society. Such an impression about government officials develops extremist thoughts among poorer sections of society.

=> Process of getting Justice:

When the lower section of society is struggling with various issues related to survival or employment and their conflicts and disputes are not settled in time, frustration among people in society develops. Presently, the judicial system of India is very time consuming and disputes are not settled in a short time. The parties to the dispute lose control over even the terms and details of the dispute once it goes to court. These factors create extremist feelings among sufferers.

Ways to resolve the issue of extremism:

=> Land Related Measures:

It is necessary to make efforts to continuously implement land ceiling issues. So that the ceiling excess land obtained should be made available for distribution amongst the most susceptible section of the landless poor people. Land should be acquired by the government for special economic zones by giving proper compensation to the agriculturalists.

=> Basic facilities and Infrastructure:

It is observed that when the government fails to provide infrastructure and services as per national norms that give rise to extremism affected areas. Basic services to standards among the people in these areas are to be given prime importance.

=> Governance Issues:

There are some government issues that lead to the spread of extremism. In central India where disturbance is prevalent such as states like Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and parts of Maharashtra. State interventions both for development and for law and order are not good. Local populations present in the tribal areas are being dominated by armed and rich people. The basic steps to improve the status of the poorest section of society is the establishment of credibility and confidence of the government, keeping a continuous watch for the fulfilment of peoples vision, effective protection, peace and good governance, sustainable development with equity in tribal areas, will make extremism low in tribal areas.

Government initiative to decrease extremism:

The government must come forward to reduce the expansion of extremism in India by implementing various policies. Military operations have not been uncontrolled and individual states continue to undertake area clearing operations, such exercises appear to form parts of a new clear, hold and develop a strategy that uses development as a tool to win back the support of the tribal population, who overpoweringly appear to sympathize with the extremists. Several flagship projects of the government to improve the connectivity of tribal areas with the administrative centers, to provide work to the tribal youth, and to make certain health and educational facilities have been launched.

It has been observed in the past that the extremists targeted infrastructure projects or have prevented contractors from completing the projects, security forces are now allocated to protect the planned development ventures in order to ensure their timely completion and security. The government must assure people of weaker sections that they will not harm the tribal community.

Lives claimed by Naxalism have come down dramatically in recent years due to better center state cooperation. Recent Chhattisgarh and general elections were concluded peacefully and districts of Bastar and Dantewada too voted in reasonably good numbers. This indicates the situation is under control for the time being.

To summarize, extremism is entrenched in the Indian community. Various authors elaborated this concept as violent activities of certain groups of people due to dissatisfaction from government policies and initiatives. On one side, there are passionate supporters and, at the other extreme, some others hold the view that the movement should be crushed cruelly. It is difficult to classify the opinion in the middle path. It can be said that some of the demands of the extremists are genuine and cannot be ignored. Therefore, the Government must seriously consider such demands and make policies and execute them, either voluntarily or subsequent to negotiations with the protestors.