Fighting the reds

A coordinated and sustained effort by the government to fight Maoist groups seems to be gaining traction and scoring some successes. The busting of the Maoists’ munition factory, part of Operation Green Hunt, in the Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh — a stronghold of leftist extremists — is arguably the first success of the security forces comprising the Commando Battalion of Resolute Action (CoBRA), the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the state police. In the last two years, it was the Maoists who had successfully ambushed the police on more than one occasion.

However, while this could be seen as a morale booster for the forces, it is much too early to say whether the rebels are on the retreat. The three-day engagement was rather a fierce one with both sides losing their men. It points to the fact that the Maoists are both well-organised and well armed and it would indeed need a determined and long-termed strategy to fight the militants.

The lack of guns and funds was definitely one reason why state forces had so far found it difficult to confront and defeat the Maoists. But the more important issues were lack of both motivation as well as proper strategic plans; often police units in remote areas would be overwhelmed by surprise. Things are changing with the centre committing more resources to this battle. Further, the states and the centre seem to be working together.

But outgunning the Maoists is one part of the strategy to deal with this menace. Both the state and local governments will have to step in and address the problems of the people in the area. The Maoists are operating in the most backward regions with the poorest people. The security forces cannot solve the economic and social problems. It is the civilian administration that will have to take the necessary measures in this regard. It is a sad fact that state governments and local administrations have failed to tackle developmental issues in a fair and equitable manner.

Maoists cannot also be fought by vigilante groups like Salwa Judum set up by the Chhattisgarh government. It is welcome that the state government has left it to the security forces to do the fighting bit. What needs to be done now is the follow-up developmental work. At the same time the actual battle against the resilient and spread out Maoist groups cannot be given up with the odd success; it is going to be a long fight.