The Hindu : National : 'Political solution needed for naxalite problem'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Jan 29, 2005

National

National

'Political solution needed for naxalite problem'

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI, JAN. 28. The naxalite problem in the country should not be treated as a law and order issue. Instead, a long-term political solution should be thought of, the National Secretary of the Communist Party of India, D. Raja, said on Friday.

Inaugurating a two-day workshop on "The naxalite movement", organised by the Observer Research Foundation here (ORF), Mr. Raja said when a political solution was attempted, the socio-economic issues, which were the causal factors of the movement, should also be addressed. The immediate need was the implementation of radical land reforms, a demand put forth by the landless poor among whom the naxalites worked. Terming the naxalite movement a "disorder", he said there was a need for a dispassionate approach to deal with the problem. "Theoretically, we have to confront the movement." The problem cannot be wished away. Basically, the naxalites were working among tribals and Dalits and the problems faced by these sections included lack of access to cultivable lands, pressure from moneylenders and caste discrimination. As these social factors provided the ground for the naxalite movement, these should be taken note of when attempting a long-term solution.

Mr. Raja said efforts should be made to bring the naxalites into the mainstream. "When we talk of democracy, our bureaucrats must be more people-friendly. Even our police must be people-friendly". The police would have to maintain law and order. But at the same time, there should be no fake encounters and foisting of cases. In the same way, the CPI (Maoist) should realise that violence would not pay. The dialogue with naxalites should continue. Simultaneously, efforts should be made to solve the socio-economic problems.

Introducing the topic, B. Raman, convener, ORF, said the root cause for political violence was anger among some sections of people. When the State failed to respond to the anger, it built up leading to violence.

N. Sathiya Moorthy, foundation director, Chennai chapter, said the two-day programme was being held against the backdrop of Andhra Pradesh recommencing talks with naxalites, Janata Vimukthi Peramuna in Sri Lanka becoming a mainstream political force, and Maoist insurgency increasing in Nepal.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National