One of the most important threats to the progress, prosperity and security of India is Maoist terrorism. At least 150 districts in 16 states are reeling under this assault, with another 35 districts also under threat.
The problem cannot be underestimated. Today, some 17 per cent of the population of India lives under the shadow of the Maoist gun. The magnitude of the problem is apparent when you consider that 3 per cent of the population is affected by ethnic and religious insurgency in the North-east and Jammu and Kashmir.
We are dismayed that the UPA Government has taken such a casual attitude to the threat. The Maoists have made no secret of their intention to establish a "Red corridor" from Kathmandu to Kochi. The Maoists have become an impediment to development projects in the most of backward regions. In some parts the Maoists are running parallel administration. They are siphoning off money from government funds and extorting money from local people.
The Congress lacks commitment and political will to confront the problem frontally. The Congress has indulged in double-speak and made expedient compromises. In Andhra Pradesh, the Congress Government tried to appease the extremists and, instead, gave them an opportunity to regroup and rearm themselves. Today, the Maoists from Andhra Pradesh even threaten the neighbouring states.
The Centre has also played host to top Maoist leaders from Nepal, ignoring the red corner notices issued by the Interpol.
We question the Congress' sincerity in tackling the problem. The Centre has not given adequate help and resources to states, like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar and Orissa, that are anxious to fight the Maoists.
Inaction is certain to prove costly for the future of India. To fight the Maoist insurgency, I propose the following :
- Recognise the Maoist problem as a national menace which must be fought unitedly by the Centre and the States. There must be an action plan and a unified command that shall involve the Centre and the States.
- The Maoist movement is an assault on the sovereignty of India. It is a bid to gain political power with the gun. The problem should be treated as insurgency.
- The Maoists possess modern arms that can only be countered with equally effective fire power. The Centre must dramatically increase the funds for police modernization. Where necessary, police and para-military forces must be supplemented by the use of the military, including air-borne operations.
- Attempts to empower Adivasis have been frustrated by needless litigation. The obstacles to Adivasis getting homestead rights (pattas) in the forests must be removed.
- All political parties and socio-religious organizations should be encouraged to support and enlarge the scope of popular movements like the Salva Jurum in Chhattisgarh. We believe that People's Power can defeat Red Terror.
We will be following with interest next week's meeting of the Prime Minister with the Chief Ministers of states affected by Maoist insurgency. I call upon the Prime Minister to muster the courage to take decisive steps.
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