Weaponzing culture: Maoist insurgency and tribal self rule

Abstract

The link between left-wing extremism and tribal discontent is attested by the entrenchment of the Maoist or Naxalite activities in the Dandakaranya forest region of Central India, which is predominantly inhabited by various tribal communities. Counting on the popular support of the adivasis, the Maoist party has managed to spread its influence and activities across as many as 10 states forming what is being dubbed asThe Red Corridor. There is connection between the tribal discontent and phenomenal growth of Naxalism in the three states namely, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha. Compared to other states in India, these three states have a substantial presence of Adivasi population and the high occurrence of Naxal violence. The central aim of the study is to investigate if the effective implementation of the provisions of the PESA Act would help in curbing the extremism of the left wing in the specified areas. It investigates the contextual basis behind the entrenchment of Maoist insurgency in the tribal areas of the three states. As our field data indicates, areas which have a functional and efficient Gram Sabha also see comparatively lower Naxal impact and influence. In areas with greater Naxal impact and influence, the Gram Sabha does not function well. As a long term solution, the effective functioning of the Gram Sabha is crucial to tackling Naxalism. Concrete steps needs to be taken to enforce the implementation of PESA and FRA, which are two of most important legislations for the entitlement of rights and for development at the grass root. It is important to make the concept of self governance an equally significant part of the integrated approach apart from security and development. Therefore a joint initiative could be conducted at central, state, district and Gram levels wherein the administrative as well as law enforcement units are provided with a platform to review the situation jointly and create a joint action plan for each level. Apart from enforcement of such laws, concrete steps need to be taken to enhance communication between the people and the state.