This refers to the article, “Neither guns nor money will work” (June 10) by Shivaji Sarkar. The writer is correct in saying that to solve the Maoist problem, governance must be taken to remote areas and development must be based on the needs and wishes of the local people, keeping their culture and tribal autonomy intact.
The situation in Bastar and most of the left-wing extremist affected districts shows the presence of maximum Government and minimum governance. Construction activities are undertaken in the name of development which brings contractors from outside and gives room for corruption. Development of this nature can never solve the Maoist problem. Unless area-specific, local, need-based interventions are made with the active participation of the people, generic solutions will not work in these parts.
The Government must recognise and remove the governance and trust deficits that exist. The role of civil society organisations is important to help understand local aspirations. They must be given a free hand to engage with the local people and find solutions.