The Indian Diaspora in many parts of the world has expressed concern over the recent eeriest Maoist insurgency in East and Central India, triggered by the Dantewada incident (April 6) in which Maoists killed 76 troops of the Central Reserve Police Force.
Since then, tension has been mounting in the region, spreading to other parts of India.
Many have also expressed their chagrin over the nonchalant attitude of the Indian Government to combat the Anti-Naxal (as Maoists are called) violence.
The powers-that-be in the present Congress regime appear to lack the savvy and chutzpah of their predecessors who tactfully and strategically nipped the Khalistan Movement and associated violence that erupted in the aftermath of Operation Blue Star in June 1984.
Defence Minister appeared miffed at a meeting held last fortnight in Delhi to discuss the problem with the Army, Air Force and Navy Chiefs and Home Minister Palaniappan Chidambaram.
Mr Chidambaram was forcing Mr Antony to use the Army to suppress the Maoists.
But a seasoned politician with uncompromising principles and moral values, Mr Antony said, “India cannot use military against her own citizens.”
This stark realisation was that of a philanthropist, not of a politician, which the Harvard- educated Home Minister could not comprehend.
The Defence Ministry is still examining the pros and cons of deploying the Army in the Maoist-affected areas, where the left-wing extremists have grown in strength striking at security forces and civilians with impunity.
Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh agreed, saying, “Maoist violence is the single biggest internal security challenge ever faced by the country.”
The poor, especially the Dalits and Adivasis, support the Maoists.
They have been fighting for improved land rights, more jobs for neglected agricultural labourers, good shelter and food.
The Naxalites are now targeting the Police and Government workers to gain attention.
The enemies of India are unconditionally providing finance, arms and ammunition, terrorist training and all succour to these people to undermine the economic stability and security of India.
This is no time for political ploy to appease people or a subterfuge to find a short-term solution to the problem.
This is time for bold and farsighted political steps.
Collateral is not an option in India.
But the political hobnobbing strategy of the present UPA regime should find a solution to face the present Maoist menace in the ‘Red Corridors’ of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Orissa and West Bengal.
The Government should also investigate and garner the source of financial support and arms supply for the insurgents.
The double standard of the countries helping terrorism to destabilise and maim the progress of India should be flagrantly exposed
Joseph Kuriakose, aka Jomichen is a teacher by profession with teaching experience in African countries including South Africa. He has a penchant for political and literary analysis. He will write a regular column for Indian Newslink readers and his articles are under copyright ©
Photo Caption:
Officials pay homage to 76 soldiers killed by Maoist insurgents in Dantewada on April 6, 2010.
