22-May-2025 Daily Answer Writing
Q1) Critically examine the effectiveness of India’s counter-insurgency operations in Naxal-affected areas in light of the recent offensive in Chhattisgarh. What are the challenges in ensuring long-term peace and development in these regions?
(GS Paper 3, 15 Marks, 250 Words)
Answer:
India’s recent 72-hour anti-Naxal operation in the Abujhmad forest of Chhattisgarh led to the elimination of over 20 insurgents and the recovery of arms. It reflects growing tactical precision and inter-agency coordination in counter-insurgency efforts against Left-Wing Extremism (LWE).
Effectiveness of the Operation:
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Tactical Gains: The operation targeted top CPI (Maoist) leadership, disrupting their command chain.
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Tech-enabled Coordination: Use of UAVs, night-vision gear, and CRPF-CoBRA synergy improved ground action.
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Reduced Footprint: The number of LWE-affected districts has dropped from 90 (2010) to 45 (2023).
Persistent Challenges:
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Governance Vacuum: Remote tribal areas still lack education, healthcare, and basic infrastructure, feeding discontent.
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Cycle of Violence: Heavy-handed operations may alienate civilians unless combined with community outreach.
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Ideological Appeal: Deep-seated socio-economic inequalities still drive radicalization among marginalized groups.
Way Forward:
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Samadhan Strategy: Must integrate kinetic operations with development, trust-building, and legal accountability.
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Local Empowerment: Promote tribal self-governance via PESA Act and direct benefit delivery mechanisms.
Conclusion:
While India’s counter-insurgency capabilities have matured, sustainable peace demands a development-centric, rights-based approach alongside security operations. Winning trust in tribal belts is essential to ending the insurgency.
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