What is Naxalism?
The term “Naxalism” or “Naxal movement” refers to this communist insurgency. Naxalites are the groups in India who follows the Maoist ideology. It is involved in armed rebellion since the 1960s. Naxals are believed to align with Maoist ideology, which seeks to overthrow established systems through armed insurgency, mass mobilization, and strategic alliances. These actions were based on the teachings of Mao Zedong that is also known as Left-wing extremism (LWE) or Maoism. In 2009, the Ministry of Home Affairs banned the Communist Party of India (Maoist) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
- The Naxal movement began in India in 1967 after tribes, laborers, and peasants raid a landlord’s multiple granaries in the Naxalbari village of North Bengal.
- Initially, the movement was suppressed by the landlords but continued under Charu Majumdar’s leadership with support from Jangal Santhal and Kanu Sanyal.
- Nearby villagers and even China backed the movement. It was dubbed as the “Spring Thunder” by contemporary Chinese media.
- The movement expanded across India including the North East and Jammu and Kashmir.
- Rebels used modern weapons, and firepower, and gained support from certain Indian groups.
- They developed bomb-making capabilities and set up weapon manufacturing camps.
Naxalism : Causes, Factors & Objectives
Naxalism was started in 1967 in Naxalbari village of West Bengal. It began as a farmer protest against the unfair treatment of them by local landlords. The Naxalbari uprising was led by Kanu Sanyal and Jagan Santhal. The rebels aimed to redistribute land fairly to the working peasants. This movement has spread to Eastern India, particularly in less developed states like Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.
In this article, we are going to discuss Naxalism and its impact in detail.
Table of Content
- What is Naxalism?
- Major Causes Of Naxalism
- Other Factors Of Naxalism
- Objectives of Left-Wing Extremism
- Efforts to Tackle Naxalism in India
- State Government Initiatives Against Naxalism
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