The killing of Jharkhand police officer Francis Induwar by Maoists is both inhuman and senseless. We condemn it wholeheartedly. We wish to convey our deepest sympathies to the family of Induwar.
There is no place for any kind of violence whatsoever in a democracy. It is our firm conviction that democratic processes alone should and will prevail in the long run. We believe that the state, in every effort it makes, should endeavour to demonstrate the efficacy of such democratic processes. The Constitution of India has conferred special rights on the adivasis but the state has rarely come to their help in taking advantage of those rights. This is true of not only those tribal areas where there is extremist activity but also other regions where it does not exist. We believe that the long-term solution to extremism and social discontent lies in revamping governance and redefining “development” as one that is determined by the people at the grass-root level, rather than those sitting in the cities and capitals of the country.
We hope that the state reviews its own role in the extremist-affected areas and addresses the issues relevant to governance. We hope that those who resort to violence realise its futility and shun it with immediate effect.
Ramachandra Guha, Nandini Sundar & E.A.S. Sarma,
New Delhi
There is no doubt that after the brutal murder of Induwar and the naxal ambush in Maharashtra which killed 17 policemen, the Central and State governments are faced with a danger that is both clear and present. The Home Ministry must wake up to the undeniable fact that naxalites are not a disillusioned people but a highly motivated group of armed men and women. Waging a war against them is the only solution to the menace posed by them.
Harisankar Kurup,
Secunderabad
Naxal strikes have become a regular feature and in most cases, the causalities are security personnel. The latest strike — Gadchiroli siege — came a day after the Home Minister talked tough. Stern warnings, without understanding and addressing the real cause of the growing naxal menace, will yield nothing. All naxal-prone districts are backward and underdeveloped. The law and order situation and administration in most of these States are pathetic. Corruption is stifling the common man.
Krishnan,
Palakkad
The general thinking seems to be that naxalites should be crushed. The naxalite movement was once genuine. I am not sure if it is still so. But it is the failure of successive governments to address people’s issues that has given rise to groups like the Maoists. They are fighting the internal system of governance which is anti-people.
N. Naresh,
Bangalore
Maoists are no different from jihadi terrorists — they are used by their top leaders in the name of struggle against social and economic deprivation. The government should deal effectively with the menace. Maoists cannot be eliminated in the absence of long-term measures.
Pooja Sharma,
Noida
