MAOIST THREAT EBBS, BUT CAUTION CRUCIAL

THE CONTEXT: The death of Vikram Gowda, a top Maoist leader, in an encounter with Karnataka’s Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) on November 18, 2024, marks a significant turning point in the state’s fight against left-wing extremism. Gowda, 44, was a crucial figure in the Kabini Dalam faction and had been active in Maoist operations for over two decades. His elimination is considered a significant blow to the Maoist movement in Karnataka, as he was one of the last prominent leaders operating in the region.

CURRENT STATUS OF THE MAOIST MOVEMENT IN KARNATAKA:

• • The Maoist movement in Karnataka has sharply declined in recent years. As of 2024, the number of active Maoists in the state has dwindled to approximately seven operatives, with five from Karnataka, one from Tamil Nadu, and one from Kerala. This is a significant reduction from previous years, indicating the effectiveness of counter-insurgency efforts.
  • The remaining group is believed to have fragmented into smaller units to evade detection. Internal rifts and operational challenges have further weakened their position. The state government has also leveraged its surrender policy, offering rehabilitation for Maoists willing to abandon armed struggle, although no active members have come forward under this policy yet.

SHIFT OF MAOIST BASE FROM KERALA TO KARNATAKA:

The shift of Maoist activities from Kerala to Karnataka is part of a broader strategic move by the extremist group. This transition is attributed to several factors:

• • Increased pressure from security forces in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, forcing Maoists to seek new operational areas.
  • The geographical advantage of the tri-junction area where Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu meet provide a strategic location for Maoist operations.
  • Internal conflicts within the Kerala Maoist faction, particularly in the Wayanad region, may have prompted some members to move into Karnataka’s forests.
  • The Maoists are attempting to establish a ‘tri-junction’ base in the midst of these three southern states. This area, encompassing the forests of Nagarahole and Bandipur in Karnataka, Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu, and Muthanga in Kerala, offers dense forest cover and challenging terrain, making it ideal for guerrilla-style operations.
  • To counter this shift, a high-level meeting of intelligence and anti-Maoist forces from the southern states was convened to discuss strategies and coordinate efforts. The focus is preventing the Maoists from gaining a foothold in this tri-junction area and disrupting their attempts to expand their influence in southern India.
  • The Karnataka government and its counterparts in Kerala and Tamil Nadu have intensified combing operations and intelligence gathering in the border areas68. These efforts aim to prevent the Maoists from establishing a solid base and to protect local communities from potential exploitation by extremist elements.

RECENT ATTACKS ON SECURITY FORCES IN CHHATTISGARH:

• • Maoist insurgents continue to target security forces in Chhattisgarh, employing guerrilla tactics and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The use of IEDs remains a significant challenge for security forces operating in Maoist-affected areas. These devices are often planted along routes frequently used by patrols, and moving to these regions is extremely dangerous. Security experts emphasize the need for better intelligence gathering and advanced mine detection technologies to mitigate this threat.
  • Targeting of politicians and civilians: Maoists have intensified their attacks on political figures and civilians, particularly those suspected of being police informers. The targeting of civilians has seen a significant increase, with 53 villagers killed in the Bastar division up to October 2024, all suspected of being police informers. This strategy appears to be aimed at instilling fear in local communities and deterring cooperation with security forces.

MAJOR COUNTER-INSURGENCY OPERATION IN OCTOBER 2023:

• • On October 4, 2023, security forces conducted one of the largest and most successful counter-insurgency operations in Chhattisgarh’s history. In this operation, 31 Maoists were killed near the Narayanpur-Dantewada border. This operation involved approximately 1,500 security personnel from various units, including the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Special Task Force (STF).
  • The operation was based on intelligence about the presence of high-ranking Maoist leaders, including members of the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) and the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC). The security forces faced challenging conditions, including a 12-kilometer hike through hilly terrain and crossing the Indravati River.
  • Among the 31 Maoists killed, authorities identified 16 who carried a cumulative bounty of ₹1.30 crore. Notable among them was Niti alias Urmila, a DKSZC member with a bounty of ₹25 lakh. The operation also resulted in the recovery of a significant cache of weapons, including AK-47 rifles, an INSAS rifle, and a Light Machine Gun (LMG).
  • This operation is seen as a major setback for the Maoist movement in the region. It demonstrates the increasing effectiveness of intelligence-led operations and the improved coordination between security agencies. The success of this operation is part of a broader trend of intensified anti-Maoist efforts in Chhattisgarh, with 188 Maoists killed in various operations in the Bastar region in 2023 alone.

TACTICS AND STRATEGIES:

• • Maoist Tactics: The Maoists have extensively employed Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and landmines as a primary tactic in their guerrilla warfare strategy. This approach serves multiple purposes, such as inflicting casualties on security forces while minimizing confrontation. It restricts the movement of security personnel in Maoist-controlled areas and creates a psychological impact on both security forces and local populations.
  • Ambush techniques: Maoist ambush tactics have become highly effective and lethal. Their typical approach involves setting up in a ‘U’ formation around security forces. Using dense forest cover for concealment and employing a mix of firearms, IEDs, and improvised weapons.

COUNTER-INSURGENCY STRATEGIES:

• • Forward Operating Bases (FOB): These bases serve several purposes, including extending the reach of security forces into Maoist-controlled areas, providing quick response capabilities during emergencies, and facilitating better intelligence gathering and local engagement.
  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): The development and strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have become critical in countering Maoist tactics. Avoid repetitive patrol routes to prevent ambushes and implement proper ambush countermeasures.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• • Development-Focused Initiatives: Prioritize infrastructure projects like roads, schools, and hospitals in affected areas. Ensure that development schemes are inclusive and cater to the needs of tribal communities. The Saranda Development Plan in Jharkhand focused on infrastructure development, leading to a reduction in Maoist influence.
  • Empowering Local Governance and Security: Strengthening local governance structures and empowering state police can enhance the effectiveness of counter-insurgency operations. The Greyhounds in Andhra Pradesh have been successful due to their local intelligence capabilities. Increase funding for state police modernization. Encourage community policing initiatives to build trust between locals and law enforcement.
  • Dialogue and Peace Talks: Dialogue should be part of a broader strategy that includes security measures and development initiatives. The Nagaland peace talks have been cited as a model for resolving insurgencies through dialogue.
  • Comprehensive Surrender and Rehabilitation Policies: Rehabilitation should focus on integrating former insurgents into society through skill development programs. Develop a standardized national policy for surrender and rehabilitation that includes financial incentives, skill training, and protection measures.
  • Improved Intelligence and Coordination: Intelligence-led operations reduce collateral damage and improve operational success rates. Establish joint task forces involving central and state agencies for intelligence sharing. Invest in technology for surveillance and data analysis.

THE CONCLUSION:

Ensure that development efforts are not perceived as imposed or disruptive. Empower local governance structures to address community needs better. Establish community liaison officers to facilitate communication between security forces and locals. Facilitate transparent processes for resource management that involve local communities.

UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTION:

Q. Naxalism is a social, economic and developmental issue manifesting as a violent internal security threat. In this context, discuss the emerging issues and suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of Naxalism.

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:

Q. Discuss the challenges and strategies in addressing the Maoist insurgency in India.

SOURCE:

https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/maoist-threat-ebbs-but-caution-crucial-3299377