Tags:
Journalism of Courage
The Maoist landmine explosion in Dantewada on May 17 targeted a private bus,killing at least 24 civilians and 11 special police officers. The massacre has provoked criticism from civil society,condemning Naxalites for targeting innocent civilians. The comparison to the SPO deaths,or to the earlier killings of state officials by Maoists,is stark. The argument is that both Maoist as well as state violence must be condemned. This equivalence has an implicit reverse. Since police officers,CRPF personnel,and even unarmed state functionaries are combatants in the war against Naxals,their deaths dont count. At best,they are inevitable targets,at worst they are legitimate ones. It is this argument that needs testing.
To begin with,we are not talking about an abstract war in distant climes. We are talking about a struggle in the heart of India for its democratic soul. There can be debates over the grievances that some claim motivate the Maoist rank and file,but their partys explicit definition of success is a totalitarian regime untroubled by free and fair elections,pluralism,and dissent. Those who dont wish to take sides have the luxury of doing so,secure from the everyday brutality of Maoists or the seriousness with which civil administration is being challenged in the red corridor. Besides,since Maoists are unlikely to overthrow the Indian state,the true horror of their vision can easily be wished away.
