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The Print
12 hours ago
- Politics
- The Print
A ‘ruthless approach' is fine for terrorists. For Maoists, it must be tempered with empathy
It was a deadly blow. Basavaraju was an aggressive military commander who led some of the most audacious and daring campaigns. Earlier, in Operation Black Forest on the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border during April and May, 31 Maoists were liquidated. More recently, Gautam alias Sudhakar , a central committee member, was killed in Bijapur district on 5 June. The security forces are delivering one punch after another in quick succession. The knock-out should only be a question of time. Last month, on 21 May, the CPI (Maoist) lost its top leader, Nambala Keshava Rao alias Basavaraju , in an encounter in the Abujhmad area of Narayanpur district, Chhattisgarh. Basavaraju, who had succeeded Ganapathy as general secretary in 2018, was killed along with 26 other Maoists in the engagement. The Maoist movement in India, which was at one stage described as the gravest threat to the country's internal security, is today gasping for breath. Home Minister Amit Shah plans to bury it by March 2026, and the security forces are going hammer and tongs to achieve the target. However, though the Maoist movement may be vanquished, Naxalism may not be stamped out. Also Read: Maoism became irrelevant to India's working class much before Basavaraju's death No second chance Incidents of violence by left-wing extremism have fallen sharply from 1,936 in 2010 to 374 in 2024, a dip of 81 per cent, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs. The total number of deaths, including civilians and security forces, has come down from 1,005 in 2010 to 150 in 2024—down by 85 per cent. The total number of districts affected by Maoist violence has shrunk from 223 in 2010 to just 38 presently. The success of the security forces' operations is to be attributed to a combination of factors: aggressive campaigns that included establishing forward operating bases in areas so far dominated by the Maoists; development marked by constructing roads, erecting mobile towers, and opening post office and bank branches; choking the supply of funds to the Maoists; and tech-driven intelligence operations using drones and satellites. Other contributing factors include raising forces like the District Reserve Guard (DRG), comprising mostly surrendered Maoists, and the Bastar Fighters, which recruited villagers from remote areas; a generous surrender and rehabilitation policy; and better inter-state and Centre-state coordination. Expectedly, certain sections are critical of the government's aggressive operations. The former chief minister of Telangana, K Chandrashekar Rao, has accused the Centre of 'massacring youth and tribals', and said that 'just because you have power, you cannot go on a killing spree'. Revanth Reddy, the present CM of the state, also purportedly said that Adivasis are being murdered. The leaders of five Left parties—the CPI, CPI (M), CPI (ML)-Liberation, RSP and AIFB—recently wrote a letter to the Prime Minister, urging the government 'to put an immediate halt to the extra-judicial killings'. The Maoists, meanwhile, have been sending desperate peace feelers. A politburo member, Abhay aka Venugopal Rao, in a letter released on 2 April, said that the Maoists would cease fire and come for peace talks if the security forces stopped setting up camps and ceased their operations. Another letter, released on 17 April in the name of Rupesh, a CPI (Maoist) spokesman in Chhattisgarh, announced that the Maoists were agreeable to ceasefire for at least a month. Yet another letter from Rupesh on 25 April appealed to the central government to stop the operations for a month, after which the Maoists would hold peace talks in a favourable environment. The Chhattisgarh government has rejected the calls for truce and dialogue. At the Home Ministry level, the thinking appears to be that in the past, whenever peace talks were held, there was no productive outcome and the Maoists, in fact, utilised the peace period to augment their strength and propagate their ideology. It is not untrue. However, one has to remember that when talks were held in Hyderabad in 2004, the extremists were negotiating from a position of strength. Today, they are in dire straits and are facing an existential crisis. The choice before them is between life and death. That being so, it would have been magnanimous on the part of the government to declare a unilateral ceasefire, give one last chance to the Maoists to come overground, hold parleys with official representatives, and join the mainstream. Even if the gesture was only partially successful, it would still avoid a lot of bloodshed. The remnants could always be taken care of by the security forces. Such an approach would have been appreciated by the people in general, and not many tears would then be shed for the intransigent hard core. A need for strategic empathy A disturbing feature of government policy is its 'ruthless approach' to the Maoist insurgency. It is fine to talk of a ruthless approach when you are dealing with terrorists. However, when you are dealing with your own people, strictness must be tempered with empathy. The majority of Maoist foot soldiers are simple tribals who joined the movement, rightly or wrongly, because they had a grievance—real or perceived. Maybe their land was taken away, maybe they were harassed by the forest officer, maybe the police were harsh with them. Marxism-Leninism meant nothing to them. Such persons deserve a chance, and it could have been given to them. Government thinking is rather simplistic: kill the Maoists and the Maoist problem will be solved. Another disconcerting feature is the fixing of a target date to finish the Maoist movement. The objective is laudable, but its achievement could have serious implications. It is fine when you fix a target date for completing a development project like building a highway, raising a dam, or setting up a factory. However, when you are dealing with an insurgency, fixing a target date may lead to some kind of competition among the police forces as to who kills more insurgents and, in the process, some elements may employ extra-judicial methods. Fortunately, there has been no serious complaint so far except general allegations, but the possibility can never be ruled out. It would have been better if the forces were asked to go all out against the insurgents and then wait for the liquidation of the Maoist movement in the normal course. There is yet another danger. The Maoists, just to demonstrate that they are still a force to reckon with, may, in sheer desperation, commit needless acts of violence. On 8 May, the Maoists killed three junior commandos of Greyhounds, an elite anti-Naxal force of Telangana, in a landmine explosion in Mulugu district near the Chhattisgarh border. In another incident, on 9 June, an Additional SP, Akash Rao, was killed and two others were injured in an IED blast in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh. The government will nevertheless, in all likelihood, be able to defeat the Maoist insurgency. The strength of the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army has reportedly been reduced to a meagre 300. Most of the politburo and central committee members have either been arrested or killed; the former has only four members left and the strength of the latter has shrunk to a mere 14. There was always a basic flaw in giving a Maoist orientation to the extremist movement, rather than drawing from the country's own civilisational ethos. A movement that declared, 'China's chairman is our chairman, China's path is our path', was doomed to fail in the long run.' Also Read: Born out of 'desperation', DRG is first line against Maoists in Bastar. Tech is giving them an edge Embers will remain Will the government be able to write the obituary of left-wing extremism in the country? Its record in reducing extreme poverty has been commendable. World Bank data shows it declined from 27.1 per cent in 2011-12 to 5.3 per cent in 2022-23, implying that the number of people living in extreme poverty fell from 344.47 million to 75.24 million. Unequal distribution of wealth, however, continues to be a problem. The World Inequality Database shows income inequality rising from a Gini coefficient of 52 in 2004 to 62 in 2023 (a higher Gini coefficient indicates greater inequality, while a lower value suggests a more equal distribution). It is also significant that, as areas affected by Maoist violence are being cleared by the security forces, industries are moving in to exploit the virgin forests. In Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra, for example, the government has given environmental clearance to Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd. to more than double iron ore output at its Surjagarh mine. Deforestation, which results in the displacement of tribals and contributes to their alienation, continues unabated. India lost 17,700 hectares of primary forest in 2023 and another 18,200 hectares in 2024. There is a genuine apprehension that Mao-vadis may gradually be replaced by MOU-vadis. It would seem that while the security forces are doing the job assigned to them, there is no corresponding attempt to address some of the pressing socio-economic issues that contributed to the emergence and countrywide spread of the Naxal problem. That being so, it seems that while the fire would be extinguished, the embers would remain. The CPI (Maoist) politburo may be decimated, its central committee may be disintegrated, the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army may be vanquished, the party cadres may all be killed, but the idea of Naxalbari would, in all probability, survive—to the extent it represented a protest of the poorer, deprived, and marginalised sections of society against political insensitivity, social discrimination, and economic exploitation. The writer, a former Police Chief, is author of The Naxalite Movement in India. Views are personal. (Edited by Asavari Singh)
Hans India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Gautam Krishna Donates Rs 1 Lakh to Martyr's Family at ‘Solo Boy' Trailer Launch
The trailer launch event of the upcoming film 'Solo Boy' turned into a deeply emotional and patriotic gathering as Bigg Boss fame Gautam Krishna handed over a donation of ₹1 lakh to the family of martyr Murali Nayak, who laid down his life during Operation Sindhura. As a mark of respect and honour, the trailer was officially launched by the martyr's parents, symbolizing the film's deep-rooted values in nationalism and humanity. Produced by Seven Hills Satish under the Seven Hills Productions banner, the film is presented by Venu Dari Baby Nehasri and directed by P. Naveen Kumar. Gautam Krishna plays the lead alongside Swetha Avasthi and Ramya Pasupuleti, with a strong supporting cast including Posani Krishna Murali, Anita Chowdary, Shafi, RK Mama, Bhadram, Anand Chakrapani, Surya, and others. Trilok Siddhu handles cinematography, while Judah Sandy provides the music. A Powerful Tribute at the Launch In a heartfelt gesture, Gautam Krishna invited the parents of martyr Murali Nayak to launch the trailer. Speaking at the event, they expressed pride in their son's sacrifice for the nation and praised Gautam for treating them like his own parents. 'Listening to Gautam speak felt like hearing our son again,' they emotionally shared. Industry's Emotional Support Veteran producer Damodar Prasad, actor Sudhakar from 'Life is Beautiful', director AT Satyanarayana, music director RP Patnaik, and others praised the film's patriotic gesture and content. Many applauded producer Satish's genuine passion for cinema and Gautam's selfless involvement in the film — even contributing his own money during budget shortfalls and opting to take payment only after the film's success. RP Patnaik added that he is planning a musical night fundraiser for the martyr's family and expressed admiration for Gautam's dedication, likening his journey to that of the late Uday Kiran.
The Hindu
a day ago
- The Hindu
Naval air station worker hacked to death over relationship feud
Four persons were arrested by Arakkonam Town police on Thursday for killing a contract worker of Indian naval air station, INS Rajali, over previous enmity. Police said the arrested persons were identified as V. Arun (26), B. Deva (22), S. Dheena (26) and K. Satish (21). They are childhood friends and reside in Arakkonam. Initial inquiry revealed that victim S. Gautam (25) was working as a contract worker with INS Rajali in the town for the past few months. Gautam and Arun were known to each other for many years. Police said a few months ago, victim Gautam got befriended a woman relative of Arun, who objected to it. Arun insisted Gautam to stay away from his relative as she will be getting married soon. However, Gautam ignored the warning. Along with his friends, Arun took Gautam near the railway level crossing to consume alcohol where the gang allegedly hacked Gautam to death. They dumped the body in an unused pond near the town. Farmers, who were on their way to farmland, noticed a body in the pond and alerted local police. Special teams analysed CCTV footage on the route and mobile phone details of the victim. Police arrested the suspects from their hideout in the town and a case was registered. They were lodged at Central Prison in Vellore. Further probe is underway.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Boman Irani's notable performances to stream before Detective Sherdil arrives on OTT
Boman Irani is set to feature in the highly anticipated thriller, Detective Sherdil. In this gripping tale, Diljit Dosanjh will be seen as the detective who investigates the murder case of Boman's character, Pankaj Bhatti. The movie will be released soon on ZEE5 and OTTplay Premium on June 20, 2025. But before that, take a moment to rediscover the diverse range of this 65-year-old veteran with a collection of his finest performances on OTTplay Premium. From You Hear It? to Por Thozhil, catch more gripping investigative thrillers, across languages, only on OTTplay Premium now! Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran This John Abraham-starrer action drama follows a group of Indian government officials, who face the formidable task of conducting a discreet nuclear test in a remote place in Rajasthan, but must evade detection by surveillance satellites. Boman Irani plays Himanshu Shukla, the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister. His character is inspired by the Late Brajesh Mishra, a key figure in the government's decision-making process regarding the Pokhran nuclear tests. Uunchai This heartwarming Hindi drama follows three elderly men as they trek to Everest Base Camp to honour the last wish of their late friend. Along the way, the three retired friends discover the true essence of freedom and life. Boman Irani plays one of the friends as Javed Siddiqui, along with Amitabh Bachchan and Anupam Kher in other key roles. Cocktail When NRI Veronica (Deepika Padukone) invites her lover Gautam (Saif Ali Khan), and her new friend, Meera (Diana Penty), to live with her in the same apartment, initially the trio enjoy a happy life together. However, things take a complicated turn when Gautam unexpectedly falls for Meera, creating conflict in their relationships. Boman Irani plays Randhir 'Tinku' Malhotra, the uncle of Gautam. Naa Peru Surya, Naa Illu India This Telugu drama is available in Malayalam (Ente Peru Surya Ente Veedu India) on ZEE5 and OTTplay Premium, where Boman Irani plays Lt. Gen. Sanjay Shrivastav, the superior of soldier Surya (Allu Arjun). The story follows a soldier serving at the LOC, while struggling with anger issues, which lands him in trouble and leads to a court-martial. Now, he must seek clearance from a psychologist. Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi In this Hindi comedy-drama, Bomani Irani portrays Farhad, who's a 45-year-old bachelor. The story follows Farhad as he falls in love with Shirin (Farah Khan) and decides to introduce her to his mother. However, things go awry as his mother develops an instant and intense dislike for Shirin, setting the stage for hilarious chaos.
News18
3 days ago
- News18
Nepali Family Of 3, Living In Mumbai With Fake Ids Since Two Decades
Last Updated: Immigration officers, while checking their phones, found details and documents on their phones, including property and land records, indicating their origins in Nepal. A Nepali family of three, who had been living in Mumbai for over two decades using forged voter ID, Aadhaar, and PAN cards, was arrested at the airport on Saturday while they were trying to board a flight to Kathmandu. The police reported that Gautam Khadaka (49), his wife Nirmala (47), and their son Gagan (22), a college student, had previously travelled to Nepal multiple times by road and train. No suspicion was raised as there are no restrictions for Nepali nationals entering India through official borders. However, their plan to travel by air for a holiday led to their arrest. During the investigation, Gautam allegedly confessed to obtaining the forged ID documents in 2001. 'The trio were set to depart for Kathmandu at 11 pm but were intercepted by immigration officers after presenting Indian voter ID cards as identification along with their boarding passes," said a Sahar police officer, reported The Times Of India. 'Initially, Gagan was stopped during the immigration check, prompting officials to detain the entire family. When questioned about their identity and nationality, the Khadakas admitted they are Nepali nationals who have been living in Mumbai for over two decades." Immigration officers, while checking their phones, found details and documents on their phones, including property and land records, indicating their origins in Nepal. Upon investigating, Gautam admitted to entering India at the age of 14 through the Indo-Nepal border in 1990. Reportedly, Gautam first came to Borivli and took on odd jobs for a living. In 2001, he married in Nepal and brought his wife to Mumbai; they moved to Mahim where they started a tea and fast-food stall. They then fraudulently acquired voter ID, Aadhaar, and PAN cards. Gagan was born in Mumbai in 2003, completed his schooling in the city, and is currently in college. The police have charged the couple and their son under BNS sections 318 (cheating), which carries imprisonment for seven years and a fine; 336 (2) (forgery), which carries imprisonment for two years and a fine; 336 (3) (forgery of electronic record), which carries imprisonment for seven years and a fine; and 340 (2) (forged document or electronic record and using it as genuine), a cognisable offence triable by a magistrate. First Published: June 17, 2025, 14:57 IST
