Anti-Maoist Operations in Chhattisgarh - UPSC Editorial

Context: In the latest crackdown by the Chhattisgarh state government, the security forces targeted a Maoist stronghold inside the Indravati National Park in Bijapur district.

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Recent Successes in Anti-Maoist Operations in Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh has achieved notable victories in anti-Maoist operations, including:

• Enhanced Security Initiatives: The government, under the leadership of Vishnu Deo Sai, has implemented robust offensives that have resulted in:
  • 280+ Maoist casualties
  • 1,000+ arrests
  • 925 surrenders
• Strategic Deployment of Police Camps: Establishing new security camps within traditional Maoist territories has effectively dismantled safe havens and curtailed Maoist mobility.
• Improved Collaboration Between Agencies: Coordination among state police forces, BSF, CRPF, and ITBP has bolstered counterinsurgency operations significantly.
• Reduction of Maoist Presence: There has been a notable decline in left-wing extremism over the past 15 years:
  • From 220 districts affected to fewer than 40 now
  • Active violent incidents reported in only 20 districts
• Setbacks for the Maoists: The insurgents have found it increasingly challenging to maintain public support due to several factors:
  • Excessive dependence on violence and extortion tactics
  • Inadequate engagement with democratic institutions 

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Challenges Hindering Chhattisgarh’s Anti-Maoist Efforts

Despite successes, the state faces challenges such as:

• Delayed Shift in Strategy: An initial focus on civilian militias like Salwa Judum rather than fortifying state police capacities weakened overall efforts.
• Geographic Challenges: The region's dense forests, difficult landscapes, and inadequate infrastructure have provided advantages to Maoists operating there.
• Economic Underdevelopment Issues: Insufficient job opportunities and lacking infrastructure rendered Maoist ideologies appealing among tribal communities.
• Governance Weaknesses During Early Years: Limited state presence allowed insurgents to cement their influence over rural areas for decades.
• Lack of Community Involvement: Insurgents capitalized on local grievances—such as displacement issues, land rights conflicts, and inadequate welfare policies—to recruit members actively.

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Way Forward

The way forward lies in:

• Ongoing Security Operations: Continuous tactical strategies are vital to thwart any potential resurgence from the Maoists.
• Developmental Focus on Economy and Infrastructure: Improving roads, educational resources, healthcare services, and creating employment opportunities in impacted regions is essential.
• Community Trust Building Efforts: Engaging local populations through improved governance practices will foster trust while addressing grievances transparently.
• Addressing Human Rights Concerns: Reducing civilian casualties is crucial; this helps prevent exploited sentiments playing into the hands of the insurgents' propaganda campaigns.
• Enhancement of Law Enforcement & Intelligence Mechanisms: Providing advanced training along with an emphasis on intelligence gathering will enable preemptive action against potential Maoist movements.

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Final Takeaway

Sustainable dominance in security should be complemented by dedicated development initiatives along with community involvement if we aim to eradicate permanent influences from Maoists within Chhattisgarh.

UPSC Practice Question

The declining influence of Maoist insurgency in India is a result of both improved security measures and governance reforms." Critically analyze the factors behind the recent successes in countering left-wing extremism. (Ink in 150 words)