Naxal Movement

The Naxal Movement, also known as Naxalism or the Naxalite–Maoist insurgency, is an ongoing conflict between the Indian government and Maoist groups. The movement began as a rebellion against local landlords over land control. The main reason for the growth of Naxalism is the slow implementation of land reforms. The strongest presence of the Naxalite–Maoist insurgency is present in the Red Corridor which is the region in the eastern, central, and southern parts of India.

In this article, we will explore what is naxalite or a naxal movement and its history, causes, impacts, challenges, etc.

What is Naxalite?

The term “Naxalite” is a general term used for militant groups and Maoists. Naxalites are the followers or supporters of the Naxalbari movement that started in a small town in northeastern India where tribal people revolted against local landlords. They believe in political revolution to change the system. Their goal has been to seize land from oppressors and redistribute it to peasants. Today, they are fighting the state and its development industries, not imperialist landlords.

Naxalite Meaning

Naxalite refers to a member or supporter of a radical left-wing political movement in India known as Naxalism. The movement often involves an armed struggle against the government and is considered an insurgency.

Historical Background of the Naxal Movement

The Naxalite movement in India has its roots in the peasant uprising that took place in Naxalbari, a small village in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, in 1967. The movement aimed to overthrow the Indian government and establish communist rule. A brief historical background of the Naxal movement is as follows:

• Naxalbari Uprising (1967): Led by Charu Majumdar, Kanu Sanyal, and Jangal Santhal peasant uprising started in Naxalbari, West Bengal. Its objectives were to voice the exploitation of farmers by landlords and confiscate the land of the landlords.
• Ideological Split (Late 1960s): Due to ideological differences Naxalites (who believed in a more radical and armed struggle against the state) broke away from the mainstream Communist Party of India (Marxist) (adhered to the parliamentary path).
• Spread of Naxalism (Late 1960s – Early 1970s): The movement aimed at addressing issues such as land redistribution, social justice, and the rights of the oppressed quickly spread to various parts of India, especially rural areas.
• Government Crackdown (1970s Onward): In 1971, the government launched Operation Steeplechase, a large-scale military operation against the Naxalites. The operation resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Naxalites and the imprisonment of 20,000 people.
• Evolution and Splinter Groups (1970s – 1980s): The Naxalite movement in India splintered into many factions in the early 1970s. By 1980, there were about 30 active Naxalite groups with a combined membership of 30,000.
• Geographical Expansion (1980s Onward): Naxalism spreads from West Bengal to less developed areas of central and eastern India forming the “Red Corridor. It included the following states: Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Orissa, and West Bengal. The movement found support among tribal communities and other marginalized groups facing social and economic injustices.

Causes of the Naxalite Movement in India

The Naxalite movement is an ideological movement that originated in the late 1960s. Some of the main causes of the Naxalit movement were:

• Land Disputes and Agrarian Issues: Unequal distribution of land and landlessness among the rural poor, have been the main driver of the Naxalite movement in India. Peasants lost their traditional land and often faced exploitation by landlords.
• Tribal Displacement and Exploitation: The large scale displacement of tribal communities due to industrial projects, mining, and large-scale infrastructure development led to the loss of livelihoods. Inadequate compensation for their land contributed to the discontent that fueled the Naxalite movement.
• Social Injustice and Inequality: The marginalized sections of society, including Dalits and Adivasis, felt oppressed and sought radical changes in the social structure.
• Failure of Land Reforms: There was discontent among the rural poor due to the lack of effective implementation of policies meant to address land distribution issues.
• Political Factors: Failure of the political parties to address the concerns of the marginalized sections led to the emergence of radical ideologies. Within the movement some factions were inspired by Maoist ideology and believed in armed struggle to achieve their goals.
• Lack of Development and Basic Services: The lack of basic services like health, education, infrastructure, etc. in tribal and rural areas led to the development of resentment against the government.
• International influence: Maoism and other international revolutionary movements inspired the naxalite movement.
• Ethnic and Cultural Identity: Tribal communities sought autonomy and recognition of their distinct identity within the Indian state. They worked towards protection of their ethnic and cultural identity.
• Lack of Inclusive Development Policies: Lack of steps taken by the government to implement inclusive and sustainable development policies in Maoist-affected areas contributed to the persistence of grievances among local populations.

Impact of Naxalite Movement in India

Naxalism also known as Maoist insurgency has following impact in India:

• Naxalis pose a significant internal security threat to the affected areas.
• The functioning of the local governance is affected due to the presence of the naxalite. It obstructs the delivery of the basic services and administration.
• Economic activities like development and infrastructure projects are hindered due to security concerns.
• Violent conflict between the naxalites and security forces results in the casualties on both sides and affects civilians caught in the crossfire.
• It spread across various states, creating pockets of insurgency in remote and underdeveloped areas.
• To fund their activities naxalite groups often exploit local resources, including minerals and forestry which contributes to environmental degradation.

Regional Impact of Naxalism

Understanding the regional impact of Naxalism is important for developing effective strategies to address the challenges and bring about sustainable development in affected areas. There is a complex interplay among Naxal groups, security forces, and local populations. It results in:

• Displacement of the local people, loss of lives, breakdown of traditional structures.
• Hinders economic activities, disruptions in agriculture and infrastructure development.
• Limited government presence, parallel governance structures challenging state authority.
• Heightened security measures, curfews, and restrictions impacting daily life.

Challenges of Naxalism

The naxalism started in West Bengal and over the years it has spread to the surrounding states. It has posed significant challenges to the government and affected regions. Some of the challenges associated with naxalism are as follows:

• Naxalite groups operate in difficult terrian of remote and densely forested areas. It hinders military operations and provides insurgents with strategic advantages.
• Naxalism is rooted in socio-economic disparities and often thrive in the area with poor development and land distribution issues.
• Weak governance, corruption and poor administration in affected regions contribute to the growth of Naxalite movements.
• Human right issue arises on both sides due to the conflict between Naxalites and security forces.
• Naxalism is based on Marxist-Leninist ideology. To address the ideological divide between the insurgents and the government, it requires efforts to engage in dialogue and address the underlying ideological grievances.
• As naxalism has spread to number of states, it requires coordination among state governments and security forces.
• There have been concerns about Naxalite groups having links with other insurgent and extremist groups, both within India and internationally.

Steps Taken by Indian Government to Curb Naxalism

Various steps taken by Indian government and its effects are discussed in detail as follows:

Policies and Schemes by the Indian Government

National Policy and Action Plan

The Policy envisages a multi-pronged strategy involving security related measures, development interventions, ensuring rights and entitlements of local communities, etc. The effective implementation of the “National Policy and Action Plan” to address Left Wing Extremism (LWE)- 2015‟ has resulted in consistent decline in LWE violence. The incidents of LWE violence have reduced by 77% from all time high of 2258 in 2009 to 509 in 2021.

Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme and Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS)

The Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme of the Government of India provides ex-gratia payment of Rs.1 lakh to the family of civilians killed and Rs. 3 lakh to family of security personnel killed due to naxal attacks. Besides, the State Governments have their own policy for payment of ex-gratia to the families of civilians and security personnel killed in naxal attacks.

Police Modernization Scheme

The central government provides funds to state governments to modernize their equipment, communication, vehicles, and infrastructure to combat the naxalites.

Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy

The government has a policy to surrender and rehabilitate Naxalites. This is part of a strategy to manage and resolve conflicts.

Chhattisgarh’s Anti-Naxal Policy

The state offers an additional 10 lakh rupees to active Naxalites who surrender. This is in addition to the reward amount and compensation for handing over their weapon.

On Security Front

The Government of India (GoI) supports the LWE affected State Governments by providing Central Armed Police Forces battalions, helicopters, training, funds for modernisation of State police forces, arms and equipment, sharing of intelligence and construction of Fortified Police Stations etc.

On Development Front

The GoI has taken several specific initiatives in LWE affected States. Special thrust has been given on expansion of road network, improving Telecommunication connectivity, skill development and financial inclusion.

Other Measures

• Special focus has been given on Skill Development and Entrepreneurship of the youth in these areas. 47 Industrial Training Institute (ITI) and 68 Skill Development Centres (SDC) have been approved under “Skill Development Scheme” in 47 Districts affected by LWE”.
• The government has approved funds for upgrading and strengthening Special Forces and Special Intelligence Branches
• The government has approved funds for constructing 250 fortified police stations in areas affected by the Naxalite movement.
• The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 has been amended to strengthen the punitive measures.
• The Central Government also proposes release of funds under the Special Infrastructure Scheme to the States of Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Odisha to raise Special Task Force to combat LWE.

Measures to Counter Nexal Movement

To address naxalism it requires multi-pronged strategy that combines security measures alongwith good governance, socio-economic development, and efforts to address the root causes of the insurgency. The measures that can be taken includes:

• Conduct targeted and intelligence-driven security operations to counter Naxalite activities.
• To reduce the discontent address the land distribution issue.
• Give priorty to the socio-economic development in affected regions. This includes building infrastructure like roads, schools, hospitals, and creating employment opportunities.
• Try to promote trust and collaboration between security forces and local communities.
• Multi lateral dialogue with the government, local peolple and security forces should be initiated.
• The central government and the states need to cooperate together to solve the internal security threats.

Summary – Naxal Movement

The Naxal Movement, also known as Naxalism or the Naxalite-Maoist insurgency, is an ongoing conflict between the Indian government and Maoist groups. Starting as a rebellion against local landlords over land control, it emerged from the Naxalbari uprising in 1967. Naxalites are followers of the Naxalbari movement, fighting for political revolution and radical change. The movement originated due to issues like unequal land distribution, tribal displacement, social injustice, and the failure of land reforms. The conflict spread to form the “Red Corridor” in eastern, central, and southern India. The government has implemented various policies and schemes, focusing on security, development, and rehabilitation, to counter Naxalism. Challenges include difficult terrain, socio-economic disparities, weak governance, and human rights concerns. Addressing Naxalism requires a comprehensive strategy combining security measures with socio-economic development and dialogue.

FAQs on Naxal Movement

What were the outcomes of the Naxalite movement?

There were two outcomes of the Naxalite movement: It used force to take land from wealthy landowners and give it to the poor and landless and challenged the government system.

Who is the head of Maoists in India?

Nambala Keshava Rao alias Basavaraj is the current General Secretary of CPI (Maoist).

Who was the first one to start Naxalism?

The naxalite movement was started by Charu Majumdar, Kanu Sanyal and Jangal Santhal.

Which state has the Naxalite movement active?

The Naxalite movement is active in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, and West Bengal. This region is known as the “Red Corridor”.

What is the Naxal movement?

The Naxal movement is an ideological movement that began in 1967. It is a rebellion against local landlords over land control.