Dont bend

MLAs abduction shows Maoist desperation. Orissa must sustain operations and development

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Dont bend

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MLAs abduction shows Maoist desperation. Orissa must sustain operations and development

The abduction of two Italians by Maoists in Orissa,one of whom was released on Sunday,as well as that of Laxmipur MLA Jhina Hikaka,may have exposed the fractures within the state Maoist leadership. While the Italians were kidnapped by Maoist leader Sabyasachi Panda,the police are considering the possibility of the MLAs abduction by a rival group. Panda is a known rebel,responsible for actions censured by the Maoist central committee,for which he reportedly fell out of its favour. Be that as it may,such Maoist infighting marks the confusion within their ranks ultimately brought about by the two-pronged strategy of paramilitary operations and development. Orissa itself,as evident in its comparatively high civilian casualties,as well as in its lukewarm anti-Maoist campaign,has been the laggard among states affected by the Maoist menace. But the overall success of the campaign,especially in its neighbouring states,had to leave its mark.

It is,however,Hikakas predicament that brings to light once more the essence of Maoism,and underscores what needs to be done. Hikaka,a tribal,is a popular politician,respected for his developmental work by his constituents. Even making room for the possibility that Hikakas kidnapping was unplanned,as some in the police suspect,it doesnt take much to understand why such an individual would pose a threat to Maoists. Naxalism is not a battle of the dispossessed against their oppressors. It is a cynical war waged on the state to fulfil a self-sustaining logic of anarchy and nihilism. That is why Maoists never take kindly to developmental work and the job opportunities that brings,because that deprives them of recruits. That is also why in districts where they have been active,they have blown up schools,railway stations,bridges,roads,etc all markers of their own redundancy.

Orissa should take heart from this desperation of the Maoists and push to reclaim territory still under the insurgents sway. The joint Centre-state operations have been largely a success,to go by the records of Andhra Pradesh,Chhattisgarh,and later,also West Bengal and Jharkhand. But paramilitary operations will sustain little if development does not accompany them. At the same time,development cannot be sustained as long as Maoists have a chance to target it as well as those who are behind it.