Left wing Extremism

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Former Maoist strongholds in the Chhattisgarh tribal belt are now open for conducting elections.

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Details:

• The term "Naxalite" is derived from the town of Naxalbari in West Bengal, India.
• In 1967, Naxalbari witnessed a tribal peasant uprising against local landlords, demanding land reforms and an end to exploitation.
• Although the initial rebellion was suppressed, it inspired communist-led movements across India.
• The Communist Party of India–Marxist-Leninist (CPI-ML) was formed in 1969, furthering the Naxalite ideology.
• Groups like the Maoist Communist Centre (MCC) and the Peoples’ War Group (PWG) emerged, advocating armed struggle against the state.
• Naxalism spread to remote and tribal areas, aiming to overthrow the Indian state and establish a communist society.
• The movement has had a significant impact on Indian politics and security, with ongoing conflicts between Naxalite groups and state forces in affected regions

Causes of the Naxalite Movement:

1.Governance Failure:

• Lack of effective governance and poor implementation of schemes.
• Political interference hindering development projects.
• Slow implementation of land reforms contributing to social unrest.

2.Land Disputes and Displacement:

• Displacement figures: Over 21 million people have been displaced due to development projects between 1951 and 2000, with tribal communities disproportionately affected (UNDP).
• Land acquisition conflicts: Land acquisition for industrial projects affects over 56% of tribal villages (Forest Rights Act).

3.Marginalization and Discrimination:

• Caste-based discrimination: Dalits continue to face discrimination, with over 45,000 reported cases of atrocities against them in 2019 (National Crime Records Bureau).
• Lack of access to education: Only 59.6% of Scheduled Tribes complete primary education (Census of India).

4.Ideological Appeal:

• Influence of Maoist ideology: Naxalite groups operate in over 90 districts across 11 states, with an estimated cadre strength of 10,000-20,000 (Ministry of Home Affairs).
• Recruitment tactics: Naxalites recruit from marginalized communities, exploiting grievances and offering ideological indoctrination (South Asia Terrorism Portal).

5.Security Vacuum:

• Insufficient security presence: The police-population ratio in Naxal-affected districts is often below the recommended standard of 220 per 100,000 (Bureau of Police Research and Development).
• Attacks on security forces: Naxalites conducted over 1,000 attacks on security forces between 2016 and 2020, resulting in significant casualties (Ministry of Home Affairs).

6.External Support Networks:

• Funding sources: Naxalites receive funding from various sources, including extortion, illegal mining, and sympathetic organizations (National Investigation Agency).
• Arms smuggling routes: Naxalites procure arms and ammunition from across international borders, facilitated by porous borders and smuggling networks (Indian Ministry of Defence).

7.Local Grievance Management:

• Ineffective grievance redressal mechanisms: Over 90% of complaints filed under the Forest Rights Act remain pending (Ministry of Tribal Affairs).
• Delayed justice: The average disposal time for cases related to tribal rights is over five years (National Legal Services Authority).

8.Weak State Capacity:

• Infrastructure gaps: Over 45% of villages in Naxal-affected districts lack all-weather road connectivity (Ministry of Rural Development).
• Healthcare challenges: Naxal-affected areas face a shortage of medical facilities, with only one doctor for every 10,000 people (National Health Profile).

9.Regional Instability:

• Ethnic tensions: Inter-community conflicts and caste-based violence contribute to social instability and unrest in Naxal-affected regions
• Geopolitical rivalries: Border disputes and cross-border tensions exacerbate security challenges in Naxal-affected states (Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses).

Government Initiatives:

• SAMADHAN doctrineis the one-stop solution for the LWE problem. It encompasses the entire strategy of government from short-term policy to long-term policy formulated at different levels

The components of this strategy are as follows:

• S for Smart Leadership
• A for Aggressive Strategy
• M for Motivation and Training
• A for Actionable Intelligence
• D for Dashboard-based Key Result Areas and Key Performance Indicators
• H for Harnessing Technology
• A for Action Plan for Each Theatre
• N for No access to Financing.

• The National Policy and Action Plan implemented by MHA since 2015 is a multi-pronged strategy in the areas of security, development, ensuring rights & entitlement of local communities etc. to combat Left Wing Extremism (LWE).

• Major Sub – Schemes under Scheme Modernization of Police Forces for 2017-20:

1. Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme (approved in 2017): aims at strengthening the capacity of the LWE affected States to fight against the LWE problem in an effective manner.
2. Special Central Assistance (SCA) for 35 most LWE affected districts.
3. Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS) including construction of 250 Fortified Police Stations in LWE affected states.
4. Assistance to Central Agencies for LWE management Scheme
5. Civic Action Programme (CAP) to bridge the gaps between Security Forces and local people through personal interaction.

Skill Development related Schemes:

• ROSHNI Scheme (Ministry of Rural Development) is a special initiative under Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana which envisages training and placement of rural poor youth from 27 LWE affected districts.

Institutional measures:

• Black Panther combat force – A specialised anti-Naxal combat force for Chhattisgarh on the lines of Greyhounds unit in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
• Separate vertical in the NIA :A process has also been initiated to create a separate vertical in the NIA for investigating important cases relating to Left Wing Extremism (LWE).
• Multi-disciplinary groups to check funding of Naxalites – Union ministry of home affairs has formed multi-disciplinary groups with officers from central agencies, including from the IB, NIA, CBI, ED and DRI, and state police to choke the financial flow to Maoists.
• Employment Initiatives: Along with several infrastructural schemes, the Government of India is also executing several schemes under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) that are empowering the citizens with the required skill sets to earn their livelihood.
• Aspirational District Scheme (ADP) of NITI Aayog: ADP is based on 49 indicators from the 5 identified thematic areas, which focuses closely on improving people’s Health & Nutrition, Education, Agriculture & Water Resources, Financial Inclusion & Skill Development, and Basic Infrastructure.
• Surrender and rehabilitation policies: State Governments have their own policy, while the Central Government supplements the efforts of the State Governments through the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme for LWE affected States.

Suggestions:

1.Socio-economic development:

• Allocate a larger portion of the national budget to marginalized regions to address Naxalite discontent.
• Focus national expenditure on initiatives in health, education, social welfare, and rural/urban development in poorer regions.
• Improve government service delivery in tribal areas. Implement measures like statutory minimum wages, and ensure access to land and water sources.
• Consider the impact of rapid economic growth on all socio-economic groups.Address social needs of marginalized people to diminish Naxalite movements.

2. Dialogue

• The government should engage in sincere dialogue with marginalized groups like the Naxalites and state leaders, as their popularity among adivasis indicates governmental neglect of their issues.
• Opening dialogue channels would make these groups feel heard and could provide them with legitimate avenues to address their grievances within the political system, potentially reducing the need for violence as a means of attention.
• Evidence from past ceasefires and dialogues with Naxalites suggests a significant decrease in violence, highlighting the potential effectiveness of dialogue in addressing the underlying issues and reducing conflict.

     3.Military Action:

• The government's primary approach to the Naxalite threat is military intervention, but relying solely on force risks alienating civilians and fueling resentment against the state.
• While military action is necessary to combat Maoist guerrillas, it should be complemented by other strategies to address the underlying grievances and prevent further escalation of conflict.

4. Governance:

• The federal structure of India hampers a coherent national strategy against the growing Naxalite insurgency.
• Due to the division of responsibilities, the central government lacks the authority to intervene in states without a complete breakdown of public order or a specific request.
• Effective cooperation between the central government and states is crucial to mobilize development efforts and address internal security threats, necessitating a coordinated multi-dimensional approach.

Conclusion:

• The eradication of left-wing extremism demands a comprehensive and coordinated approach. Addressing the root causes of discontent, such as socio-economic disparities and governance issues, is paramount.
• This entails allocating resources to marginalized regions, improving government services, and implementing measures like statutory minimum wages and land reforms.
• Additionally, fostering cooperation between the central government and states is essential to develop and implement effective strategies. By prioritizing inclusivity, equity, and collaboration, India can pave the way towards a more peaceful and prosperous future, free from the grip of left-wing extremism.

CITATIONS:

•https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2008492#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20data%20of,reduced%20from%2014%2C862%20to%207%2C128. •https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2003503 •https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=178704

Timely Detection and Prevention of Thalassemia

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Recently the International Thalassaemia Day  is Celebrated on the 8th of May. It is devoted to raising awareness amongst the general public and decision-makers about thalassaemia

International Thalassaemia Day  -  May 8th Theme: “Empowering Lives, Embracing Progress: Equitable and Accessible  Thalassaemia Treatment for All"

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Key Details:

• Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder resulting from inadequate hemoglobin production.
• Reduced hemoglobin leads to fewer healthy red blood cells.
• This shortage of red blood cells diminishes oxygen delivery to body tissues.
• Anemia, characterized by fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath, is a common consequence of thalassemia, with severe cases potentially causing organ damage or death.

Different types of thalassemia:

 Alpha Thalassemia and Beta Thalassemia:

• These refer to the specific part of hemoglobin that is affected.

• Alpha Thalassemia: When there is a deficiency in the alpha part of hemoglobin.
• Beta Thalassemia: When there is a deficiency in the beta part of hemoglobin

Severity of Thalassemia:

• Trait or Minor: Individuals with thalassemia trait may not exhibit any symptoms or may only experience mild anemia.

• Intermedia: This refers to a moderate form of thalassemia, where symptoms are more noticeable than in trait carriers but less severe than in thalassemia major.

• Major: Also known as thalassemia major, this is the most severe form, characterized by significant symptoms such as severe anemia, requiring regular blood transfusions for survival.

Treatments:Treatment for thalassemia depends on the type and severity of the condition.

1.Blood Transfusions: Individuals with moderate to severe forms of thalassemia, such as thalassemia major, often require regular blood transfusions to maintain adequate hemoglobin levels and prevent complications associated with anemia.

2.Iron Chelation Therapy: Regular blood transfusions can lead to iron overload in the body, which can damage organs such as the heart and liver. Iron chelation therapy involves taking medications that help remove excess iron from the body, reducing the risk of iron-related complications.

3.Folic Acid Supplements: Folic acid supplements are often prescribed to individuals with thalassemia to help support red blood cell production and prevent anemia.

4.Bone Marrow Transplantation: For individuals with severe thalassemia who have a suitable donor, a bone marrow transplant may be considered. This procedure involves replacing the patient's unhealthy bone marrow with healthy donor marrow, which can produce normal red blood cells.

5.Gene Therapy: Gene therapy is an emerging treatment approach for thalassemia that involves modifying the patient's own stem cells to produce normal hemoglobin. While still in the experimental stage, gene therapy shows promise as a potential cure for thalassemia.

6.Supportive Care: In addition to medical treatments, individuals with thalassemia may benefit from supportive care measures such as nutritional support, regular monitoring of iron levels, and management of complications such as infections or organ damage.

Government Initiatives:

• The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016: Thalassemia was recognised as a benchmark disability

• Blood transfusion facilities: India has established blood transfusion centers across the country to provide regular transfusions to individuals with thalassemia, helping to manage their condition and improve quality of life.

• Screening programs: India has initiated nationwide screening programs to detect thalassemia carriers, particularly among high-risk populations, such as communities with a history of the disorder.

Way forward:

• Compulsory Thalassemia testing should be included in the existing reproductive and child health (RCH) programs under NHM as a means to curtail the prevalence of the disease

CITATIONS:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2019957#:~:text=Speaking%20on%20the%20occasion%2C%20the,new%20cases%20reported%20each%20year https://thalassaemia.org.cy/international-thalassaemia-day/ https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/thalassemia/facts.html

Strengthening Ties Between India and Maldives

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• India completes drawdown of its military personnel from Maldives.

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Key details about India and Maldives Relations:

1.Shared History and Cultural Ties:

• India and Maldives have historical, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, religious, and commercial connections dating back to antiquity.
• Bilateral relations have been characterized by closeness, cordiality, and multi-dimensionality since Maldives' independence in 1965.

2.India's Pre-eminent Position:

• India holds a pre-eminent position in Maldives, with cooperation extending across various sectors.
• Maldives acknowledges India as a net security provider and recognizes its strategic role in ensuring stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) under the "Neighbourhood First" Foreign Policy.

3.Resolution of Contentious Issues:

• India and Maldives enjoy a relationship free of politically contentious issues.
• The Maritime Boundary Treaty of 1976 resolved Maldives' claim to Minicoy Island, affirming it as an integral part of India.

4.Trust Building through Assistance:

• India's swift assistance during the 1988 coup attempt in Maldives fostered trust and laid the foundation for long-term bilateral relations.
• India's prompt response to crises, such as the 2004 Tsunami and the 2014 water crisis in Malé, showcased its capacity to aid Maldives in times of distress.

5.First Responder Status and Continued Support:

• India's role as the "first responder" during crises, including the provision of medical assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, reinforces its commitment to assisting Maldives swiftly and comprehensively.

Strategic Importance of Maldives:

1.Geopolitical Significance:

• Maldives' location in the Indian Ocean region holds significant geopolitical importance for India. Its proximity to major sea lanes of communication (SLOCs) makes it strategically vital for Indian maritime security and trade interests.

2.Security Cooperation:

• India views Maldives as a key partner in ensuring maritime security and stability in the Indian Ocean.
• Cooperation in maritime surveillance, anti-piracy operations, and intelligence-sharing enhances security cooperation between the two nations.

3.Regional Stability:

• Stability in Maldives is crucial for maintaining regional stability in the Indian Ocean region.
• Instability or conflict in Maldives could have implications for neighbouring countries and broader regional security.

4.Economic Partnership:

• Maldives' potential as a tourist destination and its fisheries resources offer economic opportunities for Indian businesses.
• Economic cooperation, including investment, trade, and infrastructure development, strengthens bilateral ties and contributes to regional economic growth.

5.Strategic Alliances:

• India considers Maldives as an important partner in its "Neighbourhood First" policy, aiming to enhance relations with neighboring countries. Close ties with Maldives reinforce India's influence in the Indian Ocean region and support its broader strategic objectives.

6.Counter-terrorism and Counter-extremism:

• Collaborative efforts between India and Maldives in counter-terrorism and counter-extremism initiatives are essential for combating security threats in the region. Addressing challenges related to terrorism and extremism contributes to regional security and stability.

Challenges in India-Maldives relation:

1. Chinese Influence:

• China's increasing presence in Maldives, including infrastructure investments and development projects, challenges India's traditional influence.

• Example: China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) investment in Maldives, including the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge and the Sinamale Bridge, highlights its expanding footprint in the region.

2. Political Instability in Maldives:

• Periodic political turmoil and changes in government leadership have strained bilateral relations between India and Maldives.

• Example: The political crisis in Maldives in 2018, marked by the imposition of emergency rule and the arrest of opposition leaders, led to tensions with India.

3. Environmental Concerns:

• Rising sea levels due to climate change pose an existential threat to Maldives, impacting its sovereignty and security.
• Example: Maldives' commitment to climate action, demonstrated by its pledge to become carbon neutral by 2030, highlights the urgency of addressing environmental challenges.

4. Maritime Security Challenges:

• Maritime security threats such as piracy and illegal fishing in the Indian Ocean region affect both India and Maldives.
• Example: Joint maritime security exercises between India and Maldives, such as the Dosti-Xi joint naval exercise, aim to enhance cooperation in countering maritime threats.

5. Economic Disparities:

• Economic disparities between India and Maldives may hinder bilateral trade and cooperation.
• Example: India's Line of Credit (LoC) program, providing financial assistance for infrastructure projects in Maldives, aims to bridge economic disparities and strengthen bilateral ties.

6. Infrastructure Development:

• External financing of infrastructure projects in Maldives, including those funded by China, raises concerns about debt dependency and sovereignty.
• Example: The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Maldives and China, signed in 2017, underscores the growing economic ties between the two countries.

7. Competing Regional Initiatives:

• Competing regional initiatives, such as China's BRI and India's vision for the Indian Ocean region, may lead to divergent interests and priorities.
• Example: India's Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), aimed at promoting maritime security and cooperation, offers an alternative vision to China's BRI in the region.

8. Boycott Maldives Trend:

• Instances of boycott campaigns against Maldives by Indian tourists, driven by concerns over political instability and safety, impact tourism revenue.
• Example: Social media campaigns urging Indian tourists to boycott Maldives, following incidents of political unrest, highlight public sentiment and its impact on bilateral relations.

9. India-Out Campaign:

• The India-Out campaign, advocating for a boycott of Maldives by Indian tourists, exacerbates tensions and undermines efforts to maintain cordial relations.
• Example: Social media campaigns and hashtags such as #IndiaOut, calling for Indian tourists to boycott Maldives, reflect growing discontent and strained relations.

Way forward:

1. Diplomatic Engagement and Dialogue:

• Foster regular diplomatic engagement and dialogue between high-level officials to address bilateral concerns and build trust.
• Example: Conducting regular bilateral meetings and summits between Indian and Maldivian leaders to discuss mutual interests and resolve differences.

2. Economic Cooperation and Development Assistance:

• Strengthen economic cooperation through investment, trade, and development assistance to address economic disparities and promote mutual growth.
• Example: Increasing India's Line of Credit (LoC) program to support infrastructure projects in Maldives, focusing on sustainable development.

3. Security Collaboration and Capacity Building:

• Enhance security collaboration and capacity-building efforts to address common threats such as maritime security challenges and terrorism.
• Example: Conducting joint military exercises and sharing intelligence to enhance maritime security in the Indian Ocean region.

4. Environmental Cooperation and Climate Action:

• Collaborate on environmental protection and climate action initiatives to mitigate the impact of climate change on Maldives' existence.
• Example: Establishing joint initiatives for renewable energy projects and climate resilience programs to address rising sea levels.

5. People-to-People Exchanges and Cultural Diplomacy:

• Promote people-to-people exchanges, cultural diplomacy, and tourism to strengthen social ties and foster mutual understanding.
• Example: Organizing cultural festivals, exchange programs, and tourism promotion campaigns to enhance cultural ties between India and Maldives.

6. Mediation and Conflict Resolution:

• Offer mediation and conflict resolution support to address political instability and internal conflicts in Maldives.
• Example: Facilitating dialogue between political stakeholders in Maldives to resolve disputes and promote democratic governance.

7. Respect for Sovereignty and Non-Interference:

• Respect Maldives' sovereignty and refrain from interference in its internal affairs, fostering a relationship based on mutual respect and equality.
• Example: Upholding the principles of non-interference and mutual respect in diplomatic interactions and foreign policy decisions.

By implementing these strategies and fostering cooperation across various domains, India and Maldives can overcome challenges and strengthen their bilateral relationship for mutual benefit and regional stability.

CITATIONS:

https://hci.gov.in/male/?pdf17555?000 https://www.claws.in/7556-2/ https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maldives-plans-road-shows-in-india-to-attract-tourists-back-710299 https://www.mea.gov.in/Portal/ForeignRelation/Maldives-January-2012.pdf