The challenges of counter Naxal operations in Chhattisgarh

Abstract

This Thesis gives a detailed account of the genesis of Naxal movement in India and how communist ideology in India has evolved over the period of time. It also analyses the political, economic, and social structure of the nation after independence and shows its impact on the Naxal movement. This analysis has been done over three different phases First, the Organisational Phase from 1947to 1972; Second, the Fragmentary Period from 1972 to 1990; Third, The Reconsolidation Period from 1991 to present. newlineFurther, it discusses the emergence of Chhattisgarh on the Naxal Map and highlights all the major factors that made Chhattisgarh of strategic significance for Naxal movement - Beginning with the turbulent history that led to the creation of Chhattisgarh, its administrative structure, demographic profile and geographic features. Issues like existence of Zamindari system, status of tribals, socio- economic inequalities, and administrative failures etc. are highlighted. newlineMain Emphasis of thesis is on Counter Naxal Operations adopted by the state. State s response has been divided under two heads Enemy Centric Approach and Population Centric Approach. Under the first approach various Kinetic operations have been discussed like formation of Salwa Judum, Bastariya Battalion, intelligence sharing, COBRA battalion, CIAT, SRIF etc. Under the Population Centric Approach non-kinetic operations focussed on the development of people are discussed. The discussion of operations is supplemented by notes on their respective limitations i.e. the problems faced by the forces and the government in implementing various programmes. newlineThesis concludes with the findings of the study and summarises the recommendations. Such as in order to manifest the desired outcome of Counter-Naxal operations the study has categorized the recommendation fields under Administration, Central Forces, Police, and Corporate houses. These recommendations under these fields, as per need, have been further given over two time periods short term