LALGARH MAOIST UPSURGE

Put Out The Fire

Centre-state cooperation needed to meet Lalgarhs challenge


Bloodletting in West Bengal triggered by a Maoist takeover of Lalgarh, West Midnapore, shows no sign of abating. Even as police and CPM workers flee before the march of local tribals partnering armed Maoist rebels in growing numbers, the Left Front government appears immobilised in the face of the expanding conflagration in its former bastion. Such inaction isnt new. Following a botched Maoist bid on the life of the chief minister in November 2008, police high-handedness in the form of indiscriminate raids and arrests led to local protests and the formation of a Peoples Committee Against Police Atrocities (PCPA). Hardly any attempt was made then to defuse a potentially explosive situation. It was only a matter of time before the PCPA joined the ultras in attacking CPM cadre and security personnel.
Given that Maoists are emboldened by the state governments policy paralysis, Naxalite terror threatens to spill from Lalgarh to other areas in the district. The extremists are also said to be planning copycat upsurges in neighbouring Jharkhand where Naxal hot zones in Latehar and Palamau exist. Should Naxalites in West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar and Orissa forge links, this eastern belt could become a stomping ground for Maoists who operate in MP and Chhattisgarh as well. Lalgarh, therefore, no longer represents a mere law and order situation. In this context, its reassuring that the Union home minister has assured Bengal of central assistance and adequate paramilitary forces.
The Left itself spawned a culture of violence during its 32-year rule in Bengal. Nandigram 2007 armed CPM cadre unleashing terror on an unprecedented scale is emblematic of its arrogance of power. When the popular mood turned against it, the Lefts brutal tactics started to boomerang. Lalgarh isnt the only kind of war or war zone it faces today. In many parts of Bengal, the Left and Trinamul Congress are locked in a battle for dominance. This cycle of political violence and retribution, when combined with the Maoist threat, makes for a worrying prospect. The effort to counter the Maoists mustnt be politicised.
Trinamul cadre have been alleged to tacitly support the Maoists. Congress party workers too are reportedly fishing in troubled waters. As members of the Union government, both allies must demonstrate responsible conduct. Mamata Banerjee especially must see that, on the issue of internal security , brinkmanship with the Left is dangerous. With disturbing reports of Maoists preparing to take on paramilitary forces with the help of human shields, the battle may be long and hard. Violent extremists have acquired a measure of popular support thanks to political bungling. Its a delicate situation that requires both tough and intelligent handling . The Centre must lend full moral and material support to Bengal in its hour of need.