Twelve Maoists Killed in Anti-Naxal Operation in Chhattisgarh Ahead of Polls

At least 12 Maoists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Bijapur and Sukma districts of Chhattisgarh.

Photo by Yami Yamini

In a significant development concerning internal security, at least 12 Maoists were killed in an encounter with security forces in the Bijapur and Sukma districts of Chhattisgarh. This operation occurred just ahead of the upcoming elections in the region. The Maoists, also known as Naxals, are Left-Wing Extremist groups that pose a significant internal security challenge to India, particularly in its central and eastern parts.

These groups often try to disrupt democratic processes like elections and target security personnel and infrastructure. The successful operation by security forces highlights the ongoing efforts to counter Naxalism and ensure peace and order, especially during sensitive periods like elections. It also underscores the persistent threat these groups pose to governance and development in affected areas.

Key Facts

12 Maoists killed in an encounter with security forces.

Incident occurred in Bijapur and Sukma districts of Chhattisgarh.

The operation took place ahead of upcoming elections.

Part of ongoing anti-Naxal operations.

UPSC Exam Angles

Internal Security challenges: Naxalism as a major threat.

Government strategies to counter LWE: SAMADHAN doctrine, security operations, development initiatives.

Socio-economic factors contributing to LWE: Land reforms, tribal rights, governance deficit.

Role of state and central governments in internal security.

Impact of LWE on democratic processes and development.

Visual Insights

Anti-Naxal Operation in Chhattisgarh Ahead of Polls

This map highlights the location of the recent anti-Naxal operation in Chhattisgarh, where 12 Maoists were killed. It contextualizes the incident within the broader LWE-affected region, emphasizing the strategic importance of these areas, especially during elections.

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📍Bijapur District📍Sukma District

More Information

Background

Left Wing Extremism (LWE), commonly known as Naxalism, originated in the Naxalbari village of West Bengal in 1967. It is an internal security threat rooted in socio-economic disparities, land alienation, displacement, and governance deficits. The movement, inspired by Maoist ideology, seeks to overthrow the democratic state through armed struggle. Over the decades, it has spread to various parts of Central and Eastern India, forming the 'Red Corridor'.

Latest Developments

The recent operation in Chhattisgarh, resulting in the killing of 12 Maoists, highlights the ongoing efforts by security forces to counter LWE. Such operations are particularly crucial ahead of elections, as LWE groups often attempt to disrupt democratic processes. The incident underscores the persistent challenge Naxalism poses to internal security, governance, and development in affected regions, even as its geographical spread and intensity have significantly reduced over the past decade due to concerted government efforts.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India: 1. The 'Red Corridor' refers to the contiguous region significantly affected by LWE, primarily extending across parts of Central and Eastern India. 2. The 'SAMADHAN' doctrine adopted by the Government of India is a multi-pronged strategy exclusively focused on military operations to eliminate Naxal cadres. 3. Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Jharkhand are among the states that have historically been most significantly affected by LWE. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.1 and 3 only
C.2 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is correct. The 'Red Corridor' is a term used to describe the region in India affected by LWE. Statement 2 is incorrect. The 'SAMADHAN' doctrine is a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy that includes not only security operations but also development, good governance, and ensuring rights and entitlements. It's not exclusively military-focused. Statement 3 is correct. These states have historically been and continue to be among the most affected by LWE.

2. In the context of the government's approach to Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India, which of the following statements is NOT correct?

A.The Security Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme provides financial assistance to LWE affected states for security-related infrastructure and training.
B.The Aspirational Districts Programme specifically targets districts affected by LWE to accelerate socio-economic development.
C.The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) is primarily used to address LWE by designating groups as terrorist organizations and individuals as terrorists.
D.The government's policy explicitly includes negotiation with LWE groups as the primary method to resolve the conflict.

Show Answer

Answer: D

Statement A is correct. The SRE scheme is a key component of the government's strategy. Statement B is correct. Many LWE-affected districts are included in the Aspirational Districts Programme to address development deficits. Statement C is correct. UAPA is a crucial legal tool against LWE groups. Statement D is NOT correct. While the government has, at times, indicated openness to dialogue if LWE groups renounce violence, it is not the 'primary method' and is often contingent on specific conditions. The primary approach is a combination of security operations and development, not explicit negotiation as a first resort.

3. Which of the following factors are considered significant contributors to the persistence and spread of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in certain regions of India? 1. Ineffective implementation of land reforms and land alienation. 2. Displacement of tribal populations due to development projects without adequate rehabilitation. 3. Lack of basic infrastructure and public services in remote areas. 4. Exploitation of natural resources by external entities without local benefit. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A.1 and 2 only
B.3 and 4 only
C.1, 2 and 3 only
D.1, 2, 3 and 4

Show Answer

Answer: D

All four statements are correct and represent well-documented socio-economic and governance-related factors that contribute significantly to the persistence and spread of LWE. Land alienation, displacement of tribals, lack of development, and exploitation of resources create grievances that LWE groups exploit to gain local support.