Naxalism: Issues and Concerns Dasarathi Bhuyan, Amita Kumara Singh

The Naxalite Movement has been a significant socio-political movement of 21st century India. It is seen as the single largest internal security challenge ever faced by the country. Starting from the village of Naxalbari, the Naxals have grown in number and strength. It was started under the leadership of Charu Majumdar and Kanu Sanyal, in May 1967 at Naxalbari in the state of West Bengal. After its four decades of existence it has emerged as a decisive force in the country. At present the movement has spread over 170 districts in 15 states of India. In our country the Naxalite activities are found in backward areas in different states and concentrated in a slender passage way running from Bihar in North-east, through Jharakhand and Chhattishgarh in the centre, down to Orissa and Andhra Pradesh in the South. It is this 'Red Corridor' that has become the operational field of the Naxalities. During the last few decades, Naxal activities gained a mass base among peasants, Adivasis, Dalits and labouring classes. Particularly, Naxal activities have reported in hilly, forest and backward areas of the country which are traditionally remained beyond the reach of any development projects, social welfare schemes and agencies of administration. Since all the demands and grievances of the Tribals, Dalits, landless agricultural workers and the like could be met and resolved within the parameters of the Constitution and existing legal and policy frame, a responsive and sympathetic political leadership at different levels can solve the issue of Naxalism if they had the will and if they could transcend their proximate class interests.