Article 1: Corridor of opportunity
Why in news: The Union Home Minister declared India Naxal-free in Parliament following sustained anti-Maoist operations, marking a major internal security milestone and sparking debate on rights, development, and post-conflict governance.
Key Details
- Amit Shah declared India “Naxal-free” after intensified anti-LWE operations.
- Security actions led to large-scale surrenders, arrests, and neutralisation of Maoist cadres.
- Earlier, Manmohan Singh termed LWE the biggest internal security threat, launching Operation Green Hunt.
- The current strategy combines strict military action with rehabilitation policies.
- Concerns remain over human rights, tribal alienation, and resource exploitation post-conflict.
Declaration of Naxal-Free India
- Amit Shah announced in the Lok Sabha that India is now free from Naxalism.
- This declaration came one day before his self-imposed deadline to end Left Wing Extremism.
- It reflects the government’s claim of major success in internal security management.
Outcomes of Intensive Operations
- Over the past three years, security forces carried out aggressive paramilitary operations.
- Around 4,839 Maoists surrendered, showing weakening insurgent morale.
- Nearly 2,218 were arrested, tightening control over the movement.
- About 706 insurgents were neutralised in encounters, reducing armed capacity.
Policy Focus and Historical Context
- Tackling LWE became a key pillar of Amit Shah’s internal security strategy and legacy.
- He contrasted current efforts with those during Manmohan Singh’s tenure.
- Earlier, LWE was termed the “biggest internal security challenge”, leading to Operation Green Hunt.
- The earlier approach was more cautious, considering human and institutional costs.
Strategy and Governance Measures
- The government adopted a dual approach:
- Rehabilitation and dialogue for those who surrender.
- Strict action against those who continue armed resistance.
- The strategy also faced criticism for curbing civil liberties and targeting so-called “urban Naxals”.
- Alongside security action, steps were taken to improve governance:
- Establishing schools in villages.
- Providing Aadhaar and ration cards in affected regions.
Way Forward: Development and Reconciliation
- While military success has weakened insurgent capacity, long-term peace needs inclusive development.
- There is a risk of resource exploitation and tribal alienation if development is not equitable.
- Focus should shift toward:
- Protecting tribal rights.
- Ensuring participation in democracy.
- Promoting accountability in resource use.
- After operational success, the next step is healing, reconciliation, and sustainable peace-building.
Conclusion
India’s success in curbing Left Wing Extremism reflects strong state capacity and security coordination. However, lasting peace depends on inclusive development, protection of tribal rights, and democratic participation. The focus must shift from military victory to reconciliation, ensuring that governance reaches marginalized regions without enabling exploitative resource extraction or undermining civil liberties, thereby building a just and stable post-conflict order.