Our PM made a statement last year: “We are not in favour of using armed forces to fight Naxalism. If the Naxals shed violence, we are willing to talk."
In my view, peace talks after laying down arms is an oxymoron. Just consider a scenario where a mad gunman is pointing gun at a captive. Will there not be the “so-called” negotiations with the gunman, whatever the final action or outcome? Peace talks have happened with the Kashmiri terrorists, ULFA etc. Then, why not with the Naxals? In my view, it is a case of false motives and mixed priorities not to engage in talks without preconditions.
Naxal problem is not just a law and order problem. The problem relates to genuine grievances of the rural poor but is only covered and highlighted when security personnel suffer like 76 men of the CRPF were killed in Dantewada (ChattisgarhState) on 6th April 2010.
The Naxal problem is a pointer to the poor efforts of the GOI and the State Governments in looking after the needs of the rural peasants and the adivasis. As per Indian Constitution, Law and Order is a State Subject but an exception needs to be made, by amending the Constitution forthwith to provide subjects like Naxalism and Terrorism under the Joint List. These two threats are widespread in the nation, requiring Central responsibility and coordination which the Centre cannot shirk.
Prime Minister is meeting leaders from seven Naxal-affected states today to chalk out a fresh strategy to curb Left-wing extremism. Let’s hope we have some fresh minds discussing old issues not otherwise.
Shailendra Chauhan
No comments:
Post a Comment