Naxalism is a social, economic and developmental issue manifesting violent internal security threat. In this context, discuss the emerging issues and suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of Naxalism. (Answer in 250 words)

Naxalism or Left-Wing Extremism feeds on governance deficits, alienation, land and forest-rights disputes and exploitation, while violence and extortion deepen underdevelopment.

Emerging issues

• Security-force pressure can fragment groups into smaller, mobile units using IEDs, ambushes, drones and information operations.
• Mining, infrastructure and displacement without fair consultation can renew grievances, especially where Forest Rights Act and PESA protections are weakly implemented.
• Youth recruitment, extortion, illegal economies, online propaganda and cross-border or inter-state logistics remain concerns.
• Roads and connectivity may improve State reach but can also become targets unless communities see tangible benefits.

Multilayered response

• Security: intelligence-led, rights-respecting operations; inter-State coordination; mine protection; modern equipment; surrender and rehabilitation.
• Governance: fill vacancies, establish accountable police and civil administration, deliver courts, health, education, banking and communications.
• Rights and development: recognise forest rights, implement PESA, ensure fair land acquisition, rehabilitation, benefit-sharing and transparent mining.
• Community: tribal participation, local recruitment, grievance redressal, women’s groups, youth skills and credible information networks.
• Regional: coordinate across State borders, disrupt finance and arms, and monitor contractors and illegal mining.

Long-term principle

• Development must be participatory and environmentally sustainable; excessive militarisation without justice can reproduce the conflict.

Left-Wing Extremism; IED; PESA; Forest Rights Act; intelligence-led policing; surrender policy; tribal governance; social contract.