Bureaucrats and independent observers agree that reaching the benefits of the schemes of the government to tribal people is the only way out to tackle “naxalism.”
The police perceive “naxalism” in the region to be a “manifestation” of the larger armed struggle in other parts of the country. They and independent observers agree that the situation in the coastal districts hardly provides the ground for greater penetration of the so-called Maoist ideology.
While the police are hoping that “at some time,” they will realise that there is no scope for them” in the region, observers such as CPI(M) leader B. Madhava too think that the naxalites are “a dying tribe.” He even says that naxalism is a failed ideology. Naxalites are, according to him, “misguided youths” who have misunderstood Chinese Communist revolutionary Mao Ze Dong.
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Mr. Madhava says desperate tribal people, who were increasingly pressured to move out of their natural habitats, are sympathising with naxalites. They have been ignored by the successive governments, Mr. Madhava points out, forcing them to seek solace and protection from naxalites.
Deputy Commissioner N.S. Channappa Gowda says a Rs. 45-crore package has been sent to the State Government to provide basic needs of the people in the areas in Dakshina Kannada. It is aimed at providing connectivity to people in remote areas and to ensure water supply to them
Inspector-General of Police (Western Range) Alok Mohan says dedicated anti-naxal force has been able to keep the naxalites under check through “persistent efforts”.
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