After months of struggling to manage the ethnic crisis, the Union government finally took action by removing the N. Biren Singh-led government in Manipur and imposing President’s Rule, hoping this change would bring peace and stability.
Who are the key stakeholders involved in the ethnic conflict, and what are their demands?
Meitei Community: Seeks protection of territorial integrity and opposes any division of Manipur. Example: Meitei groups have opposed the creation of a separate Kuki-Zo administrative region, fearing it would fragment the State.
Kuki-Zo Community: Calls for Union Territory status or a separate administrative arrangement to safeguard their identity and security. Example: Civil society organizations representing the Kuki-Zo people have warned against free movement unless their request for separate governance is met.
Naga Community: Resists any move to carve out a separate region, as it could affect their ancestral lands and autonomy. Example: Naga groups have opposed the Kuki-Zo call for Union Territory status, fearing loss of their territorial claims.
Union Government: Aims to restore law and order, maintain territorial integrity, and recover stolen arms. Example: After imposing President’s Rule, the government set a deadline for militant groups to surrender looted weapons and worked to reopen blockaded highways.
What steps has the Union government taken to restore normalcy in Manipur after imposing President’s Rule?
Weapon Recovery Drive: Initiated efforts to retrieve stolen weapons from non-State actors to curb violence. Example: Set a deadline for groups to return weapons looted from police armories, recovering nearly one-third of the 3,000 missing firearms.
Clearing Highway Blockades: Worked to remove blockades on key highways to restore the free movement of goods and people. Example: Central armed police forces attempted to clear blockades in Kangpokpi district, though clashes resulted in one death and over 40 injuries.
Strengthening Security Measures: Deployed additional central forces to control violence and secure vulnerable areas. Example: Increased the presence of paramilitary forces in both the hill and valley regions to prevent further ethnic clashes.
Engaging in Dialogue: Encouraged talks with community representatives while rejecting violent and separatist threats. Example: Continued discussions with leaders from the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities to find a peaceful resolution.
Central Leadership Involvement: Called for the active engagement of senior government officials to address grievances and appeal for peace. Example: The Union Home Ministry and senior officials emphasized the need for dialogue and public appeals to restore calm and facilitate the return of displaced persons.
Why is the demand for Union Territory status or a separate arrangement for Kuki-Zo areas considered a dangerous move?
Deepening Ethnic Divisions: Such a move could escalate tensions between communities, worsening the already fragile social fabric. Example: It may intensify hostility between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups, making reconciliation and long-term peace more difficult.
Resistance from Other Communities: The proposal could face strong opposition from other ethnic groups, such as the Nagas, who also reside in the hill areas and have their own territorial interests. Example: Naga groups may view the creation of a separate Kuki-Zo region as a threat to their claims and autonomy, leading to new conflicts.
Undermining Territorial Integrity: Fragmenting the state could weaken Manipur’s territorial integrity and set a precedent for further separatist demands. Example: Accepting such a demand could encourage other communities to seek similar autonomous arrangements, complicating governance and stability.
Way forward:
Inclusive Dialogue and Mediation: Facilitate continuous engagement with all ethnic groups to address grievances and promote mutual understanding through impartial mediation.
Strengthening Law and Order: Intensify efforts to recover illegal weapons, enforce rule of law, and ensure equitable development to rebuild trust and maintain peace.
Mains PYQ:
Q Analyze internal security threats and transborder crimes along Myanmar, Bangladesh and Pakistan borders including Line of Control (LoC). Also discuss the role played by various security forces in this regard. (UPSC IAS/2020)
Q) Naxalism is a social, economic and developmental issue manifesting as a violent internal security threat. In this context, discuss the emerging issues and suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of Naxalism. (UPSC CSE 2022)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains have always focused on ‘Left Wing Extremism’ (2023), ‘Growth of Naxalism, and Radicalization’ (2022 and 2024).
The SATP report notes an increase in Maoist activities across 12 states, highlighting a rise from 10 states in 2022. Despite claims of declining violence due to the National Policy and Action Plan (NPAP), challenges remain.
But Why? What is the root cause?
Today’s editorial talks about the significance of vigilance and adaptability in combating extremist violence. This content can be used for ‘Rising Radicalization and Terrorism in India’.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
At the end of COP 29 in Baku (Azerbaijan), India will push for ambitious climate mitigation financing from developed nations. At the same time, India is at a critical juncture in its environmental and public health journey.
What are the key observations from the early post-independence history?
• The India-Pak partition in 1947 resulted in one of the largest mass migrations (14 to 18 million people displaced) that led to widespread communal violence, resulting in approximately one million deaths across religious communities. This continues to affect India-Pakistan relations even today. • Further, under the leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the government employed a combination of negotiations and military action to integrate these states into the Indian Union. For example, Hyderabad through Operation Polo and Junagadh’s accession following a plebiscite. • The new Indian government emphasized secularism as a foundational principle, and the Constitution adopted a framework for democracy and civil rights while promoting equality among all citizens. The practice of untouchability was abolished, and reservations were implemented for marginalized communities. o But in the immediate years, agricultural productivity was low, exacerbated by droughts and inadequate infrastructure. o The government recognized the need for economic reforms to uplift the agrarian sector and improve living conditions. • This period (1950s-1960s) also witnessed the emergence of political movements addressing regional aspirations and demands for statehood, such as the formation of Andhra Pradesh following widespread protests after the death of Potti Sriramulu during a hunger strike.
How has the nature of extremist violence evolved in the digital age?
Increased Accessibility and Propagation: The internet has made extremist content more accessible than ever before. Individuals can easily find and engage with violent extremist materials online, which contributes to normalization and desensitization to radical ideas.
Social media platforms have become critical tools for extremists to disseminate their messages and recruit new members.
Research shows that social media played a role in the radicalization processes of nearly 90% of extremists in certain datasets between 2005 and 2016. It allows individuals to radicalize without physical contact, often leading to what is termed “lone actor terrorism”.
Use of Disinformation Tactics: Extremists have increasingly created echo chambers where their ideologies are reinforced without challenge. Right-wing extremists, in particular, have been noted to benefit from such tactics more than other groups, utilizing disinformation campaigns to further their agendas.
Role of Anonymity and Encryption: Encrypted messaging apps and decentralized platforms enable them to communicate securely, share resources, and organize activities without attracting attention from law enforcement. This shift has made it more challenging for authorities to monitor and counteract.
Gaming Platforms: Emerging trends show that gaming platforms are being leveraged by extremists as new venues for recruitment and radicalization. These environments allow for interaction with potential recruits in less scrutinized settings, where extremist ideologies can be presented in a more palatable manner.
What are the reasons behind the rise of new forms of extremist violence?
Socio-Political Factors: Ongoing geopolitical issues and perceived injustices within the country and the society, fuel extremist sentiments. Economic disparities and social inequalities drive individuals towards extremist ideologies.
Recruitment and Exploitation: Extremist groups generally prefer these isolated individuals, particularly children and youth, for recruitment.
Hybridization of Extremist Ideologies: Individuals combine various ideologies and conspiracy theories, creating complex motivations for violence. Their narratives are often tailored to personal experiences and grievances faced by the Indian society.
Covert Operations: Digital Encryption allows extremists to communicate and organize without detection. For Example, increased incidents of individuals committing violence independently, often using online resources for planning.
What strategies can be implemented to effectively counteract extremist violence?
Community Engagement and Empowerment: Engage local communities through initiatives that foster trust between law enforcement and community members. Ensure that community engagement efforts are broad-based and inclusive, addressing all forms of ideologically motivated violence.
Education and Awareness Programs: Implement educational initiatives that promote respect for diversity, human rights, and critical thinking skills among youth. This can help counteract extremist narratives and reduce susceptibility to radicalization.
Countering Online Radicalization by PPP: The government can collaborate with technology companies to develop tools that can help identify and counter extremist content online while respecting privacy rights.
Socio-Economic Development: Focus on socio-economic development by offering effective alternatives to violence for at-risk groups. This includes enhancing participatory decision-making processes and strengthening local governance to address the root causes of discontent that can lead to radicalization.
Colombia, the global center of the cocaine industry, is undergoing significant changes due to domestic and global forces.
Recent Changes: Disruption in Cocaine Trade
Colombia, the global center of the cocaine industry, is undergoing significant changes due to domestic and global forces.
Two years ago, drug traffickers who buy coca paste stopped showing up.
This sudden halt left the villagers without income, leading to food shortages and exodus in search of jobs.
The population of Cano Cabra shrunk from 200 to 40 people.
This pattern has repeated in communities across Colombia where coca is the only source of income.
About the FARC Peace Deal
It refers to the agreement reached between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) to end decades of conflict. It is a significant milestone in Colombia’s efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability.
FARC is a Marxist-Leninist guerrilla group founded in 1964 that waged an armed struggle against the Colombian government for over five decades.
The conflict resulted in over 220,000 deaths and the displacement of millions of people, making it one of the longest-running conflicts in Latin America.
A peace deal was signed on November 24, 2016, and subsequently ratified by the Colombian Congress.
How does the peace deal impact Columbia?
The FARC financed its war through cocaine, relying on farmers to provide coca leaves.
After the FARC left the cocaine industry, smaller criminal groups took over, adopting a new economic model.
These groups buy large quantities of coca from fewer farmers and limit operations to border regions for easier drug transport.
The shift in the drug trade has left the communities economically devastated.
Cocaine Production in Latin America:
Pablo Escobar the famous drug lord and the leader of the Medellín Cartel was a Colombian.
Ecuador has become a top cocaine exporter, and coca cultivation has increased in Peru and Central America.
These changes have pushed global cocaine production to record highs.
While cocaine consumption has reduced in the United States, it is growing in Europe and Latin America and emerging in Asia.
Implications on India:
Changes in the Colombian cocaine industry may alterglobal drug trafficking routes.
India, as part of the global drug trade network, could see changes in the routes used to smuggle cocaine into the country.
Increased cocaine production globally could lead to a higher availability of the drug in India.
This could result in an increase in drug trafficking activities within the country visible in increased seizures in major cities like Pune.
Higher availability of cocaine could lead to an increase in drug abuse cases in India.
PYQ:
[2018] India’s proximity to the two of the world’s biggest illicit opium-growing states has enhanced her internal security concerns. Explain the linkages between drug trafficking and other illicit activities such as gunrunning, money laundering and human trafficking. What counter-measures should be taken to prevent the same?
As of July 9, 2024, India has recorded a total of 162 Maoist fatalities this year, with Chhattisgarh alone reporting 141 deaths.
This marks one of the highest casualty figures for extremists in the predominantly tribal state since the establishment of the Communist Party of India (Maoist) in 2004.
About Left-wing extremism in India
Origins and Ideology: LWE in India began with the 1967 Naxalbari uprising in West Bengal, advocating armed revolution for a Maoist communist state overthrowing the Indian government.
Modus Operandi: Naxalites engage in guerrilla warfare, attacking security forces, extorting, intimidating, and propagandizing. They target government, infrastructure, and economic interests, and run parallel governance in controlled areas.
Red corridor Areas: LWE affects several states in central and eastern India, including Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Kerala, although to varying degrees.
Factors Contributing to LWE: Socio-economic disparities, land alienation and displacement of local communities, and issues related to Adivasi rights have contributed to the proliferation of LWE. Left-wing extremist groups have capitalized on these grievances to gain support among marginalized communities.
Government Response: The Government of India has taken various measures to counter LWE, including security operations, development initiatives, and rehabilitation programs. Violence related to LWE has decreased by 76% in 2022 compared to 2010, and the geographical spread of violence has also reduced.
In 2024, Maoists suffer severe setbacks in Chhattisgarh
Maoist Casualties in Chhattisgarh: In 2024, Chhattisgarh reported the highest number of Maoist deaths (141) since the formation of the Communist Party of India (Maoist) in 2004. This spike coincided with the return of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to power in December 2023.
Historical Context and Operations: The year 2009 saw the highest number of Maoist deaths (154) following the launch of ‘Operation Green Hunt’ by the Indian government, which included military offensives involving the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Chhattisgarh police.
Security Forces and Civilian Casualties: While Maoist casualties have increased recently, the number of security force personnel deaths has decreased. Civilian casualties have also reduced since their peak in 2006.
District-Wise Insights: Bijapur district witnessed the highest number of clashes in 2024, resulting in significant Maoist casualties. This district, along with Sukma, hosts several Border Security Force (BSF) camps, indicating intense security operations.
Surrenders and Operations: Despite some districts being declared ‘Maoist-free’ in recent years, significant operations continue, such as the joint BSF and District Reserve Guard operation in Kanker district resulting in top Maoist commander Shankar Rao’s death.
Development and Insurgency: There is a correlation between the intensity of the insurgency and lower development indicators like sanitation and literacy in districts like Dantewada, Bijapur, Sukma, Bastar, and Kanker. These areas are heavily forested, complicating security operations.
Way forward:
Integrated Development and Security Strategy: Implement a comprehensive strategy that integrates robust security measures with accelerated development initiatives in LWE-affected regions. This approach should prioritize improving socio-economic conditions, addressing land alienation, providing livelihood opportunities, and enhancing basic infrastructure like education and healthcare.
Enhanced Intelligence and Targeted Operations: Strengthen intelligence-gathering capabilities to preempt Maoist attacks and disrupt their operational networks effectively. This includes enhancing coordination among security forces, intelligence agencies, and local law enforcement to gather timely and actionable intelligence.
Mains PYQ:
Q Left Wing Extremism (LWE) is showing a downward trend, but still affects many parts of the country. Briefly explain the Government of India’s approach to counter the challenges posed by LWE. (2018)
The report by the Geneva-based Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) termed it the highest number of displacements in India triggered due to the conflict and violence in India since 2018.
Key highlights on Internal Displacement in India (2009-2023):
The above image shows the Internally Displaced People (IDP) currently living in India.
This term focuses on the individuals who have been displaced till the end of every year. At the end of 2023, there were 0.61 million such persons in India.
Globally, India was among the top five countries with the highest number of new internal displacements in 2022 due to disasters, with 2.5 million displacements.
Causes:
Natural: In 2023, India experienced over half a million internal displacements due to floods, storms, earthquakes, and other disasters.
Artificial: Over the past five years (2009-2023), the number of internally displaced people resulting from regionalconflict and land disputes has increased by 22.6 million, with the two biggest increases in 2022 and 2023.
Over 1/3rd of the displacements took place within Manipur, with almost a fifth moving to the neighboring state of Mizoram and smaller numbers to Nagaland and Assam.
Regional Scenario (2009-2023):
In 2023, conflict and violence triggered 69,000 displacements in South Asia, with Manipur violence alone accounting for 67,000, the highest number since 2018.
The violence erupted after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organized in Manipur’s hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
This led to ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities even in bordering areas of Myanmar and Bangladesh.
Global Scenario (2009-2023):
The number of IDPs has grown by 50% in the last five years. The report said that 68.3 million people worldwide were displaced by conflict and violence as of 2023.
By the end of 2022, at least 8.7 million people in 88 countries and territories were internally displaced by disasters, with India being one of them.
Conflicts in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Palestine accounted for nearly two-thirds of new conflict movements in 2023
3.4 million new movements in the Gaza Strip in the last quarter of 2023, leaving 1.7 million internally displaced by the end of the year.
Way Forward:
Dialogue and Mediation: Facilitate dialogue between conflicting communities, such as the Meitei and Kuki, to address underlying issues like land disputes.
Legal Framework: Strengthen legal frameworks to protect minority rights and address grievances that may lead to violence.
Peacebuilding Initiatives: Implement peacebuilding programs that promote social cohesion and understanding among different ethnic and community groups.
Mains PYQ:
Q How far are India’s internal security challenges linked with border management particularly in view of the long porous borders with most countries of South Asia and Myanmar? (UPSC IAS/2013)
The Indian Army has recently adopted Topa Pir village in Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir, as a model village under Operation Sadbhavana.
Operation Sadbhavana
Purpose: Operation Sadbhavana (Goodwill) is an initiative by the Indian Army in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh to address the needs of people affected by terrorism, primarily sponsored by Pakistan.
Welfare Activities: The operation includes running Army Goodwill Schools, infrastructure development projects, and educational tours for children in remote areas.
Focus on Education: There are seven Army Goodwill Schools under Operation Sadbhavana in the Ladakh Region, aiming to improve the standard of education.
Objectives: The operation aims to achieve national integration, women empowerment, employment generation, and development activities towards nation-building.
Collaborative Approach: Projects under Operation Sadbhavana are selected considering local aspirations and in coordination with the local civil administration.
Adoption of Topa Pir Village
Model Village Initiative: The Army’s adoption of Topa Pir village is a step towards creating a model village, with an emphasis on community development and welfare.
Recent Incidents: The village gained attention following a controversial incident involving the alleged torture of civilians by the Army, which led to the deaths of three individuals.
Community Relations: The incident has significantly impacted the relationship between the Army and the local Gujjar and Bakarwal communities, who predominantly inhabit areas near the Line of Control (LoC).
In a volatile state like Manipur, peace agreements can be challenging to implement because of the multiplicity of stakeholders and their divergent interests and grievances
Key Highlights:
Welcoming a Milestone Accord: Recent peace accord between UNLF in Manipur and the government of India viewed positively for its potential impact on regional normalcy.
Regional Peace Trends: Successful peace deals in Northeastern states like Mizoram, Tripura, and Shillong, along with significant progress in Assam through accords with separatist groups.
Key Challenges:
Lurking Threat of Looted Arms: The presence of approximately 4,500 looted arms in various hands poses a substantial threat to the journey towards lasting peace.
Complexities in UNLF Accord: Lack of clarity on the terms of the UNLF peace accord and potential complications arising from the involvement of militants in ethnic conflicts.
Diverse Demands and Historical Grievances: Reconciling diverse demands and historical grievances from various ethnic and tribal communities in Manipur emerges as a complex challenge.
Key Terms/Phrases:
Peace Dynamics: Peace accord, insurgency, Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement.
Challenges in Reconciliation: Multiplicity of stakeholders, ethnic conflicts, geopolitical factors.
Key Players: Separatist groups, militant factions, political negotiations.
Key Quotes/Statements:
“Any peace initiative is welcome — more so if it deals with a militant group abjuring arms to join the mainstream.”
“The biggest hurdle in the road to peace remains the floating looted arms numbering around 4,500 in various hands.”
“Diverse demands from various ethnic and/or tribal communities… making it hard to arrive at a resolution that satisfies all parties.”
Key Examples/References:
Positive Precedents: Peace accords in Mizoram, Tripura, Shillong, and Assam leading to regional normalization.
NSCN-IM Accord: The signing of an accord by the National Socialist Council of Nagaland — Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) in 2015.
Militant Factions in UNLF: Presence of factions like the Pambei faction advocating for dialogue.
Key Facts/Data:
Ban Extension: The ban extension on nine Meiti extremist groups, including UNLF and Manipur People’s Army (MPA).
Surrender Statistics: Tripartite accords initiated by the Centre since 2014 leading to 6,112 insurgents surrendering.
Arms Challenge: Presence of 4,500 looted arms posing a significant challenge to peace efforts.
Critical Analysis:
Distrust and External Influences: Challenges in implementing peace agreements due to historical distrust, external influences, and divergent interests.
Fragility of Agreements: The fragility of peace agreements highlighted by disruptions caused by extremist factions or splinter groups.
State’s Volatility: Manipur’s volatile state demands comprehensive efforts for lasting peace.
Way Forward:
Addressing Arm Threat: Focus on resolving the issue of looted arms to ensure a major cause of concern is adequately addressed.
Transparent Communication: Clearly communicate the terms of the UNLF peace accord to manage expectations and foster understanding.
Holistic Approach: Focus on political negotiations, rehabilitation of displaced individuals, and dismantling militant-controlled zones.
Inclusive Engagement: Engage all political parties, appoint a political negotiator, and seek a comprehensive agreement that satisfies various stakeholders.
The Union and Manipur governments have signed a peace agreement with the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), a banned Meitei extremist organisation.
UNLF is the oldest armed group based in the Manipur valley, marking this agreement as a notable event in the region’s history.
Understanding the UNLF
Formation: Established on November 24, 1964, under Arembam Samarendra Singh‘s leadership, the UNLF is the oldest valley-based insurgent group in Manipur.
Diverse Leadership: Initially led by a mix of ethnicities, including Naga and Kuki leaders.
Armed Wing and Activities: The Manipur People’s Army, formed in 1990, and has been responsible for multiple attacks against Indian security forces.
Current Status: The UNLF, now split into two factions, is estimated to have 400-500 cadres, operating primarily in the valley areas of Manipur and some Kuki-Zomi hill districts.
Base of Operations: Largely operating from Myanmar, the group has faced setbacks due to conflicts with the Myanmar military and other Ethnic Armed Organisations (EAOs).
Precedent for the Peace Agreement
Historical Context: This is a significant development as Meitei Extremist Organisations (VBIGs) have traditionally not engaged in peace talks with the Centre.
Previous Instances: Smaller groups like UPPK, KCP, and Maoist Communist Group have disbanded or diminished in influence, but the terms of their agreements are unclear.
UNLF’s Internal Dynamics: The group underwent splits in the mid-1990s and 2021, leading to the formation of factions under different leaders. The faction led by Khundongbam Pambei has been open to negotiations since 2020.
Status of Other Insurgent Groups
Broader Insurgency Landscape: The UNLF is one of several Meitei insurgent groups and is among the seven banned by the Union government.
Opposition to Talks: The UNLF faction under NC Koireng remains opposed to peace talks.
Agreements with Other Groups: A Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement was reached in 2008 with Kuki-Zomi insurgent groups, but the Manipur government withdrew from agreements with some groups in 2022.
Conclusion
The peace agreement with the UNLF marks a critical step in addressing the long-standing insurgency in Manipur.
It reflects a shift in the approach of Meitei insurgent groups towards dialogue and potential reconciliation.
The success of this agreement could pave the way for further peace initiatives in the region, contributing to stability and development in Manipur.
A civil society organization has written a letter to the European Parliament (EP) expressing concerns over the portrayal of violence in Manipur as a religious conflict.
The organization highlighted the dangers of Manipur becoming a new Golden Triangle, a notorious drug trafficking corridor in Southeast Asia.
Golden Triangle Reference to Manipur
Golden Triangle: The Golden Triangle is a well-known area spanning China, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand, notorious for opium poppy cultivation and drug trafficking.
Chin-Kuki and Meitei Communities: Manipur is home to various ethnic groups, with the Kukis being the third-largest community, after the non-tribal Meiteis and the tribal Nagas. The ethnically-related Chins are primarily from Myanmar, and some have allegedly settled illegally in Manipur over the years.
Rise of Narco-Terrorism in India
Golden Crescent Influence: India’s proximity to the “Golden Crescent” provides easy access to narcotics from Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan.
Cross-Border Connections: India shares borders with countries known for their involvement in drug trafficking, such as Pakistan.
Financing Mechanism: Socioeconomic factors like poverty and unemployment contribute to the involvement of individuals in the drug trade.
Corruption and Weak Law Enforcement: Corruption within law enforcement agencies facilitates drug trafficking operations, especially in Punjab.
High Profits and Demand: The lucrative nature of the drug trade makes it an attractive revenue source for terrorist organizations.
Transnational Networks: Transnational drug syndicates collaborate with terrorist groups, enabling the flow of drugs and funding for terrorist activities.
Security Implications of Narco-Terrorism
Criminalization of Youth: Drug trafficking and abuse lead to increased crime, violence, and corruption within communities.
Public Health Concerns: Drug addiction and related health issues pose significant challenges to public health systems.
Threat to National Security: The linkages between drug trafficking networks and terrorist organizations create a complex security environment.
Drain on Resources: Combating narco-terrorism requires substantial human resources, equipment, and funding.
Efforts to Combat Narco-Terrorism
Rehabilitation Programs and Counselling Centers: Government-funded drug rehabilitation measures and counselling centres are established across all districts.
Operation Sadbhavana: The Indian Army conducts de-addiction counselling centres and awareness camps to combat drug addiction.
Nasha Mukt J&K Campaign: The campaign aims to make J&K drug-free, with a zero-tolerance policy against narcotics. The same should be replicated in North East.
Recommendations to Curb Narco-Terrorism
Strengthening ED: The Enforcement Directorate’s jurisdiction should be improved to monitor terrorist financing and money laundering.
Anti-Drone Technology: Enhance anti-drone technology along the Line of Control and international borders to counter drug trafficking via drones.
Way Forward
Community Engagement and Rehabilitation: Focus on community awareness, education, and rehabilitation programs.
Target Financing Networks: Strengthen efforts to track and disrupt financing networks supporting narco-terrorism.
Cross-Border Intelligence Sharing: Strengthen intelligence-sharing mechanisms with countries affected by drug trafficking.
De-radicalization: Implement sustainable economic development programs to provide alternatives to communities involved in the drug trade.
The Communist Party of India (Maoist) claims to fight for gender equality, but the reality is that women cadres are subject to structural violence and exploitation.
Negligible representation in the council: Despite constituting 35%-40% of the party, women’s representation in the Central Committee and the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC) is negligible
Members in the cadre: Only one-woman cadre is a Central Committee member out of more than 20 members, and only two women cadres are DKSZC members out of approximately 20 members
Concerns over women’s health and nutrition
Health challenges: Women face additional health challenges in the jungle and receive inadequate nutrition and healthcare. Most women become anaemic due to the lack of proper nutrition.
Menstrual hygiene challenges: Women cadres do not receive menstrual leave and need to be alert all the time with a gun. Only one loin cloth is provided to two women cadres to be shared as a sanitary napkin for six months.
Fundamental necessities are not adequate: Women cadres are not allowed to liberally use water and are at the mercy of the unit commander who carries some medical necessities
Conditions for marriage and reproduction
Marriage is not to enjoy family life: The party permits marriage only between willing partners to fight together, not to enjoy family life.
Forced vasectomy: Male cadres are forced to undergo vasectomy either before marriage or immediately after marriage.
Forced abortion: If a woman cadre gets pregnant, she has to undergo an abortion
Silent on divorce and polygamy: The party is silent on issues of divorce and polygamy
Sexual exploitation and ill-treatment of women
Sexual exploitation and ill treatment: Sexual exploitation of women is not uncommon in the party, and instances of suicide by women cadres due to ill-treatment and suspicion are reported.
Nominal punishment: Disciplinary action is taken against cadres for moral turpitude, but the maximum punishment is only suspension for a year or demotion.
Conclusion
Women who join the Communist Party of India (Maoist) in the hope of bringing about a revolution for the proletariat and the landless class are often subject to the same structural violence that they are supposed to fight. The party needs to ensure gender equality in reality, not just in its claims, and provide better conditions for women cadres.
Mains Question
Q. How do structural inequalities and power dynamics within political movements impact the fight for gender equality? Illustrate.
