Taking on the Naxals

The Centre’s anxiety to contain Maoists by deploying more security personnel and sophisticated technology is understandable. It’s been a long-drawn battle against the ideologically-charged rebels, who like many militant groups worldwide have the advantage of using guerrilla tactics to strike at the “enemy” at will. The forces ranged against them are constrained by territory and a reluctance by local forces to take them on as aggressively. To give Central forces all help, electronic and personnel, is the least New Delhi can do even as it calls on Maoism-hit states to claim “ownership” of anti-Naxal ops. Using drones for surveillance might just make a difference.

The strategy must, however, be twofold. It’s as important to ensure the welfare of tribals in every way possible so that they get the benefits of development and realise the foolishness of giving the rebels tacit support in taking on the state. The reformation of hardcore guerrillas comes only with time, as the experience worldwide has shown, whether in Colombia where FARC and ELN fighters surrendered after a recent peace accord, or Shining Path rebels in Peru, who ran out of steam over decades. The aggressive operation of flooding Sukma with thousands of commandos trained in guerrilla warfare will only escalate the conflict. But does the Centre have a choice than to hit back after so many shattering losses in Chhattisgarh? Finding a way to open a channel for talks with the rebels is just as important. The governments at the Centre and in the affected states appear to be in for the long haul now.