War Against Maoists In India

[ravish]

The Chief Minister of West bengal while addressing a public meeting at Jhargram ( Naxal affected area in Midnapore Dist of West Bengal) has issued a warning to the Maoists to lay down arms within the next 7 days. This is in sharp contrast to her earlier soft attitude towards the Maoists. The sudden change in attitude has been attributed to her coming to power in West Bengal by the Maoists.

In a week's time if Ms. Banerjee decides to take strict police action with the help of the Para Military Forces already stationed in the area,it is unlikely that the situation will change to any great extent.The need of the hour is to win back the support of the common peopleso that the Maoists loose popular support.Given the years of neglect of the areas affected by the Maoist movement, coupled with poverty,lack of health and educational facility etc have turned the ordinary people in the area against the Government. This is irrespective of which political party or combination is in power.

In such a situation there cann be no military solution to the problem.Acclerated economic and social development of the affected areas in combination with massive police action is necessary. However, before the police action can be started, it will be necessary for the State apparatus to strengthen its intelligence gathering network.