The Naxalite problem has come a full circle. The year saw no end to the bloody violence by Naxalites across India despite best attempts by the UPA Government and a few state governments to mollify them. The attack by Naxalites on a provincial armed constabulary convoy in Chandauli district of eastern Uttar Pradesh on November 20 has again brought to fore the ruthless face of Naxalites and it also wiped off the myth that Naxal movement in India was waning. The two government had initiated several steps to buy peace with the Naxalites but nothing seems to have worked. Andhra Pradesh Government led by Congress' YSR Reddy is however not giving up.
However, while talks to buy peace are on, what alarms are the intelligence reports that Naxal outfits are turning to foreign forces and are joining hands with MCC in Nepal and the ISI in Pakistan to foment trouble in India. Unofficial estimates claim that Naxal operation covers about 125 districts of India.
Naxals on their part have decided to unite their cadres throughout the country in a bid to strengthen their voice. The Communist Party of India Marxist-Leninist has united with the People's War in Bihar and Andhra Pradesh. The unity move is also seen as a tool to strengthen its political space across the country by the Naxal outfits. The biggest challenge before the Manmohan Singh Government today is to pacify the Naxals to give up violence and join the national mainstream. - Prakash Pillai