The Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh, rightly called left-wing extremism, "the greatest internal security threat faced by the country." The Operation Green Hunt was a directive against the naxalite activities which were increasing exponentially in Eastern India, the area which runs through the Santhal regions of West Bengal, Jharkhand, Orissa, the Gond in Madhya Pradesh, tribes of Andhra Pradesh and into the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh comprise the Red Corridor.
For years, the Maoists have created a stronghold over the local population, influencing the young to join the rebellion. Being one of the most impoverished states and having significant economic inequality, the natives in these areas have supported the cause and joined the movement.
The latest incident which took place on February 15, 2010 which involved 24 police officials of the Eastern Frontier Rifles who were killed and several were abducted. The Naxalite-Maoist leader Kishenji claimed responsibility for the attack. He was quoted as saying that, "We have attacked the camp and this is our answer to P. Chidambaram's [the Minister of Home Affairs] 'Operation Green Hunt'."
On 6 April 2010, Maoist attacked the Dantewada district, Chhattisgarh. It was the deadliest attack, which killed 76 civilians. It was the first attack on armed forces by the Maoists. Police sources reported that the Maoist triggered two land mines and ambushed the mine protected vehicles carrying the CRPF units.
All this calls for a strict action from the government. The government should have acted timely, waking up to the cause of improving the economic conditions of the states. Instead, the government has released press statements and condemned the attacks.
The use of armed forces is definitely not the solution; Kashmir being the archetype of its persistent interference. The naxalite are only pursuing self-interest through a policy of terror. When will the government proclaim its power and work towards the improvement of the socio-economic conditions of these states?
These states should be governed under the president rule, refurbishing state legislature in its entirety. The civilians need assurance, financial help, growth and development – not another Kashmir.
