India's response to left wing extremism needs to integrate soft approaches like socio-economic policies and dialogue along with hard security measures to address the root causes of Naxalism. Discuss.

(Left wing extremism) refers to the adoption of violent means influenced by extremist ideology to overthrow the established government.

Root causes of LWEs:

i) Grievances of locals (mostly tribals) channelled by the LWEs leaders to use violent means.

ii) Displacement due to development programs leading to loss of culture – drabislisation

iii) Exploitation and discrimination of people.

iv) Lethargy and improper implementation of government scheme and program for equitable development.

v) Regional disparities in development.

vi) Bureaucrat-exploitation nexus for selfish gains → Corruption etc.

vii) External support and funding to destabilise the country (2-S warfare strategy – NSA, DOVAL)

Measures needed to address the root cause

Soft approaches → Social development – improved in healthcare and education.

Infrastructural connectivity – roads, rail, communication

Bharat Nidhi funds for mobile towers

Upskilling and job opportunities to the people.

Implementation of scheme such as Eklavya Model Residential School, PM Jan Arogya Yojana, Sickle cell Anaemia elimination.

Non- interference in tribal culture – promoting their language, mother tongue based education, following Franch's Keel Principles

Recognition of their rights such as Title Rights under Srikrit Rights Act 2006.

Hard security measures

Operations to neutralise the naxalites

(eg) Recent killing of over 20 naxels in an operation.

Setting up of armed forces infrastructure in the naxal areas.

Forced laying down of arms and surrender

(ii) Operation Greyhound.

Impact of Naxalism

Hindrance to socio-economic development of the country

law and order issues – affecting investment

challenge to internal security of the county

radicalisation of people by extremist ideology.

Breeding of other activities – trafficking of arms and drugs, extortion to fund violence.

A comprehensive approach therefore is necessary which includes soft approach as well as hard security mesure to tackle Naxalism.

SAMARTHAN strategy can help as multipronged approach in this regard.

— Aditya Agarwal