1. A Turning Point

(Source: Page 12, The Indian Express)

Topic:GS3: Internal Security – Left Wing Extremism GS2: Governance – Centre-State Relations GS1: Post-Independence Consolidation (Conflict zones) GS4: Ethics in Public Administration (Security vs. Human Rights)

Context

The editorial discusses a major development in India’s counter-Maoist efforts — the killing of top Maoist leader Basavaraju, CPI (Maoist) General Secretary, along with 26 cadres in Chhattisgarh. It marks a critical moment in India’s battle against left-wing extremism (LWE), signaling both a security success and a policy challenge.

Background:

• 219 LWE cadres killed since December 2023 — highest in a year.

• Basavaraju was a key strategist in deadly Maoist attacks, including the 2010 Dantewada massacre and 2013 Jiram Ghati ambush.

• His elimination is seen as a turning point, possibly allowing Chhattisgarh to become Maoist-free by March 2026.

Security Success:

• Focused operations across Bastar, Dantewada, Narayanpur.

• Key Maoist regions weakened; forces gaining ground in Andhra, Telangana, Odisha forest belts.

• Use of actionable intelligence, police coordination, better communication lines have helped security forces.

Governance and Development Link:

• Maoism thrives in regions of economic deprivation and poor state presence.

• Lack of trust, inadequate welfare schemes, and displacement created recruitment pools.

• States like Chhattisgarh initiated reforms under Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) and Mission Suvidha, but success has been uneven.

Emerging Challenges:

• While security operations intensified, long-term peace demands governance: roads, schools, healthcare, land rights.

• Urban Maoist networks remain under-monitored.

• Coordination between Centre and States is crucial to prevent resurgence.

Conclusion / Way Forward –

• Don’t confuse tactical success with strategic victory.

• Strengthen governance, tribal welfare, land reforms, and local participation in administration.

• Modernize police forces and intelligence sharing.

• Launch robust rehabilitation policies for surrendered Maoists.

• Shift from militarized zones to democratic empowerment.

Practice Question: Despite several tactical victories, Left-Wing Extremism continues to pose a serious challenge to India’s internal security. Examine the underlying causes and suggest a long-term strategy to address them. (GS3 – 250 words – 15 marks)

 

Read more – 21 May 2025 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis