The events of the past few days have confirmed how dangerous it is to allow even the slightest complacency to seep into the Indian states battle against Maoist extremism in its hinterland. A series of incidents,many near the Orissa-Jharkhad border and in Bokaro district,have once again displayed the impunity with which the Maoists believe they can operate,and the ambition that causes them to attack well-guarded locations and launch synchronised assaults. Dozens died in the attacks,including apparently at least twenty policemen and an eight-year old girl. The choice of some of the targets illuminates some of what appears to be a facet of the Naxalite approach in the liberated areas. The attack on an anti-landmine vehicle at Sarubeda in Bokaro district makes it clear that the Maoists intend to use such devices secure their borders; and the abortive raid on a State Bank of India branch in the same district by as many as a hundred armed insurrectionists shows that they recognise that such ambitions are going to prove expensive. After all,setting up weapons factories according to some estimates,as many as four,some working on improvised explosive devices or IEDs is not cheap. Thus the Naxalites will raid trade and banks just outside their borders; and levy a tax on the farm produce within. Recent reports claiming that the liberated areas have quasi-state institutions shouldnt be seen as the Maoists working to answer the needs of the local populace,but as a necessary corollary of taxation. If the Naxalites are allowed the time and space to start producing IEDs especially directional IEDs,or claymores the experience of the coalition forces in Iraq demonstrates exactly how much tougher it will be for security forces. And landmines have proved to be a nightmare in other war-torn areas,staying to haunt the survivors even after the immediate threat is dissipated. The growing ambition of the Naxals is a simple reminder that the need to step up aggressive action on their areas of control has become more urgent than ever. Its become a race against time. The home ministry cannot dawdle on the starting blocks.
