Demonstrate firm resolve to meet Maoist threat
The gunning down by Maoists of 14 Central Reserve Police Force personnel in Chhattisgarh brings us face to face with a few issues that, if not addressed, can only work to the disadvantage of Governments combating the Red terror. The first is that there was, yet again, an intelligence failure. The second is that the Maoists have become emboldened enough to use civilians as human shields in their war against the state. The third is that the Union Government, in collaboration with the States, must push for a mix of more accelerated development and more assertive offensive to counter the menace. And, the fourth is that Governments must pay adequate attention to the working conditions of the security personnel deployed in Maoists-infested regions to keep them motivated. It is clear as daylight that routine condemnation by Government authorities of such attacks — calling the Maoists cowardly, and so on — and the announcement of compensation to the families of the victims as well as renewed avowals to fight the menace, are by themselves not going to change the situation. A CRPF officer's admission, that his troops had not known of the presence of Maoists waiting to attack the security force contingent at Chintagufa in Sukma district, reveals a shocking state of affairs. If this is the pathetic level of intelligence-gathering in a district which is known as a Maoist stronghold and where the Red terrorists have struck on many occasions earlier, then senior officials entrusted with the task must be held accountable. Only the other day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had noted that effective intelligence gathering can pre-empt the use of force. It also pre-empts the loss of human lives. CRPF officials have pointed out to the difficulty in effectively retaliating because the Maoists had used civilians as human shields. This is a crisis which has struck security agencies across the world: Terrorists are doing it more often than before. The liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam had mastered the art, just as they had adopted the distasteful practice of seeking out at least one member of a Tamil family living in regions it controlled in Sri lanka, and compelling the member to join the force. Maoists appear to be following in the lTTE's footsteps. The authorities have to win the trust of the villagers who, left to themselves, would not prefer their kin joining the Maoists.
The Centre and the States have to review the impact that their policies have so far achieved. It is at least clear that those policies are not fully working. Maoist-hit tribal regions in the country have yet to be brought on the map of development, making them easy offering for the Maoists to spread their propaganda. It cannot be the case that the entire might of the state should fail to push through development projects in the affected areas. The time for excuses is long gone. Also, there has to be a more assertive anti-Maoist drive. Calling Maoists ‘misguided’ citizens is not the way. They — or at least the really committed cadre — are hardcore criminals and anti-nationals, and they must be dealt with accordingly. Finally, States should give a thought to the plight of the security jawans who put in long hours of stressful work without just rewards or requisite equipment. A demoralised security structure cannot win in any situation.