MAOIST THREAT IN INDIA , A RED CORRIDOR FROM NEPAL TO TAMIL NADU

PART I : PARTICULARS OF THE BOOK

1. NAME OF BOOK : MAOIST THREAT IN INDIA, A RED CORRIDOR FROM

NEPAL TO TAMIL NADU

2. AUTHOR : Dr. B.P.SAHA

3. PUBLISHER : PENTAGON PRESS

4. PAGES : 455

5. COST : Rs. 1295

6. PUBLICATION YEAR : 2017 (first published in 2017)

PART II : REVIEW

7. Introduction to Author.

a. Dr. B. P. Saha obtained his PhD and D. Lit degrees in History from Utkal
University. A former Fellow of the Indian Institute of Advance Study, Shimla, former
Director of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Study, Ministry of Culture,
Govt of India, Saha has been devoted to historical studies and research for more
than three decades. He has supervised many research projects and guided
researchers, participated in many prestigious seminars both in India and abroad, and
taken part in an international symposium organised by the University of Cambridge,
United Kingdom.

b. He has already authored 12 books, including a text book titled Ancient Indian
History for the students of Hons, post graduate and competitive examinations, which
has been highly acclaimed. Now, a text book on European history is in the pipeline.

c. An officer of the Indian Police Service (1963), he has held many important
assignments, received Police Medal for Meritorious Service and The President Police
Medal for Distinguished Service. He worked in the Border Security Force, took active
 part in Bangladesh Operation 1971 and captured Nawabganj and Rajshahi towns,
now in Bangladesh.

d. His stint in the central unit of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), New
Delhi, as Superintendent of Police (1975-1980) and for successfully investigating
several sensitive cases against VIPs and important personalities has been extolled. In
his police service career, he reached the top and retired as DGP (offg) in January
1997.

e. A noted columnist in national dailies, magazines and periodicals, he writes in

four languages and has already published more than 450 articles. He has also
received the prestigious Brindaban Naik Award in Orissa for his extensive literary
activities. He speaks on history, sociology, law and current affairs, and much of his
time is spent in public service and welfare.

8. Introduction to Book.

a. subject. The book is not merely a narrative or a pen-picture of the

extremist out-fits and their activities in several states in India. Truly, it is an
unflinching testimony of the extremist movements, its fast growth in seven states,
defection by many leaders, birth of independent out-fits, enthusiastic response from
the vast section of neglected, exploited and down-trodden mass, various facets of
the movement, inter action with leaders in jail, its initial success and sign of decay,
etc, depicted relying on direct evidence.

b. Merger of the CPI (ML) People’s War, and the Maoist Communist Centre
(MCC) and formation of the CPI (Maoist) in 2004, gave a forward push to the Maoist
movement. Admittedly, it is not a separatist movement but a struggle to establish
the People’s Government demolishing the existing social and political order in the so
called liberated, Red Corridor. The Union and State governments’ insouciance to
view it a” law and order problem” failing to assess its direct bearing on socio-
economic and political life, stepped up violence and bloodshed and boosted morale
of the Maoists.

c. In W B, CPM government’s lofty idea to tackle the movement politically, A P’s

appeasing policy, Bihar’s soft line, Odisha’s initial hesitation, Chhattisgarh’s
misadventure to counter it raising a parallel outrageous unit (SalwaJudum),
lamentably back fired. However, firmness and co-ordination of the governments
eventually gave rewarding dividend. Many leaders surrendered and returned to the
main stream. Maoists’ war chest, leaders keenness for urban comfort, lavish living,
wealth amassed secretly, contribution and leadership of fair sex Maoists so long
unnoticed and unsung, have been brought to fore free from prejudice for the first
time.
 d. Swift development in seven states has been discussed analytically in separate
chapters. People’s disillusion, security forces success, threat to the national
security, sign of decay of the movement, its sombre future, crisis of the leadership
have been dispassionately high-lighted from detached angle.

9. Brief of the Book.

This book is divided into ten chapters; each chapter is dealing with a new facet of the
Maoist movements. Let’s see each chapter in detail.

a. chapter one, this deals with introduction of Maoist movement and its quick
penetration into several states.

i. followers of the new political philosophy better known as Maoist

codified the idea of their revolutionary movement from the writings of the
Karl Marx manifesto and Mao tse tsungs “the red book”.

ii. beginning happened in naxalbari village of Darjeeling located on the

foothills of Himalayas noticed in 1967.poverty stricken , deprived villagers ,
daily wage earners was a fertile ground for mass upsurge . Charu mazumdar
a drop out of CPI along with comerades kanu sanyal, jungle santan and many
other associates followed Chinese line of Marxism spearheaded by the
stalwart mao-tse-tsung. Soon violence erupted in many areas leading to
killing of policeman, locals, house set on fire .soon the process started of
targeting the high class and slowly it targeted a larger section of population.

iii. in the garb of this spotty persons and anti-social elements severed the
benefits and started to defame the movement including illegal taxation,
looting, killing, severing heads etc. their efforts grew more because of
dishonest officials and cunning policeman in favour of money .suddenly this
movement gained popularity in other countries also and links with china
started in terms of training, arms, explosives and soon with ISI of Pakistan in
giving air to fumes of naxalism.

iv. An apex body named “coordination committee of Maoist parties and

organisation of south Asia ( CCAMPOSA )” by nine Maoist organisations of
India, Nepal, Srilanka , Bangladesh to give a combined effort to the
movement . because of this alliance this movement has started in adjoining
states .

v. in Andhra Pradesh also people got motivated by hearing of red

movement and small fractions begin meeting with leaders and forming
alliance thus stretching more .similar movements started in Orissa , Bihar ,
Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh also in some parts of Maharashtra , Chhattisgarh
 , Karnataka. At all these places recruiting of minors as long term investment
and use ieds , explosives gave impetus to movement .ministry of home affairs
admitted the rate of increasing Maoist attack by 40 % , report also states that
around 50000 Maoist in bastar region are holdup and around 10000 specially
trained commandoes are also active .

b. chapter 2 deals with the determination of the government to combat and

raising new forces, infrastructure and joint operation against ultras.

i. attack on cm buddhadeb bhattacharjee followed in swift action

against ultras and further upping the ante by declaring ban on CPI party
.kishenji, main operative of actions in west Bengal, Jharkhand, Orissa, was
from Andhra Pradesh. Hiding in jungles of lalgarh, later killed in burishole
jungle on 24 Nov 2011 left the movement towards down road.

ii. Maoist empire had at least rs 1500 crores in its kitty , collected via
several routes .earlier thinking of Maoist being ill fated, ill equipped, ill
clothed, deprived of basic amenities was severally wrong after capture of
certain documents revealing the full-fledged network of income of ultras.
Today Maoist extort mine owners, public servants ,transport owners ,civil
and forest contractors, school teachers and collect hefty sum . Every year the
collection target is increased by 15 %. Modus operandi similar to Maoist
infested territory in which terror is stepped up using diktats, those not
following ready for death penalty.

iii. Levy of rates of different products has been clearly specified ranging
from rs 5 to 30000. Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, contribute total 40%.
Jharkhand alone gives 300 to 400 crore rupees annually .Orissa 10%, several
crore of rupees from Maharashtra. Fund collection Orissa happens in terms
of minerals. Looting banks, guest rooms, petrol pumps, traders. Poppy
cultivation is forced onto farmers and finally Maoist take major portion of the
crops which is used in paying cadres, buying arms, explosives, medicines,
vitamins etc. . In return they protect farmers from local rowdies, police, and
excise officials. Specified and deeply trusted cadres are given responsibility of
collection under strict supervision.

iv. Usage of Maoist problem for political gains was clearly done by many
parties, leading to internal squabble within. Also there was internal squabble
within Maoist regarding ideology followed, comrade kanu sanyal differed and
formed different groups. Lately separate groups have formed and have
showed a willingness to work together forming an alliance .it is feared that if
it happens then about 6000 terrorists, and their sympathisers in 15 states
could join them .combined strengths of cadres could pose a great risky govt.
 v. recent police and paramilitary action have reduced the politburo
member’s strength from 13 to 7, which was formed in 2007. Women leaders
like chandrakala tewari and other associates were arrested. Common unrest
developed among Maoist seeing their leaders enjoying urban comfort stating
the reason of developing a mass support base, also if they even visit the
Maoist camps in deep jungles demand VIP treatment leading to alienation.

Vi. In 2010, centre initiated IAP, integrated action plan covering 90% of
Maoist infested states looking into minute details of prominent leaders,
affected areas including equipping the police infrastructure and gears. Basic
focus on improving medical school, transport, basic amenities. Eight point
action plan initiated with review from cms of all Maoist infested state. Raising
new battalions, equipment gears etc. Usage of sophisticated technology in
explosives, planting ieds , use of deadly explosive other than rdx, blowing
mine proof vehicles. Procurement of fire arms using forged documents, like
licenses from authorised dealers as is happening in Bihar, looting of police
arms etc., illegal selling by dealers for more profit etc. has increased at a
rapid rate in recent times.

vii. lok sabha election 2009 became one of the armed ground , wherein
boycott was announced by Maoists, pooling booth burned ,several police
officials killed ,blasting land mine on west Bengal CM made the government
go for operation “green hunt “ . Mass agitation happened against killing.
Establishment of national counter terrorism centre was proposed but it had
its own law and order overlapping problem. Maoists followed tactical counter
offensive campaign ( TCOC), due to continued pressure from security forces
Maoists became reluctant to move out of safe shelters, followed strategy of
hit and run though not organised .since very less training available, they
resorted to watching Hollywood movies to learn about newer tech and
strategies, movie cds widely used for training purposes. What affected most
was surrender by cadres for rehabilitation packages, info leak and these
efforts really paid off to security forces .also amassing large amount of wealth
by people at high table or polit buro slackened the confidence of workers
under them.

c. chapter 3, Maoist problem pin Jharkhand. Maoist influence started in 1992.

i. Maoist violence, causalities of security and civilians highest in –both

Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, Currently five ultras active in state. Before 1990
no violence has been reported in these areas but after the advent of Maoists
taking advantage of every situation, it became worse. Heavy causality figures
came after incident of girl being raped by policeman, created resoluteness
and unity among ultras. santal parganas highly neglected in terms of
 development. These condition favoured rise of Maoists. Maoists killed
innocent villagers whoever came in support of development , mutilated
bodies of policeman, villagers, rape , arson, random killing to instil fear in
public .

ii. Government focussed on development project to eliminate root

cause like saranda project sanctioning around 250-300 crore rupees. intent
was clear to move anti naxal operation along with development .election
polls of 2009 saw a bloodshed both pachayat election and lok sabha election,
burning of evms , killing officials,ied explosions on poll booth site , all
attempts to stop election. Railway becoming soft target for hijacking
amounting to huge loss to railways. These all made an impact on tourism
industry also, state having dams, jungles of sranada reserve forest got a
major dent .dubious method used to collect money, protection money etc. .
Changing tactics by disabling mobile towers in villages to prevent detection
by police of surveillance. Even ultras capable of making their own townships
with high end facilities, VIP room etc. . bal dasta a term means recruiting
children’s of very less age by coax, forcefully willingly. But it’s on decrease
due to surrender, deaths and killing.

iii. joint operation along the border of Jharkhand and west Bengal came
out with satisfactory result, but the agitation against ultras by locals was also
seen in form of lynching Maoists .varied steps initiated by the police in terms
of training and tactics leading to successful operations .this followed with a
change in shit of tactics of Maoists ,several bandhs , blockades ,railway line
obstruction , banks , post office etc. internal feud rose and the method
adopted by ultras was like llte was using , placing bombs inside dead cops
surgically made situation more alarming .

d. chapter 4, focussing Maoist violence in Chhattisgarh.

i. Chhattisgarh was carved out from the Madhya Pradesh; trible

communities form 80 % of states population making the situation all the
most desirable for growing the Maoists seeds. moreover the jungle portion
made the location a heaven for operating within jungles .they call it abujmarh
( unknown forest ) finally call made it headquarters of Maoists .in this areas
the ultras dominate over five districts virtually the bastar region became the
liberated zone.

ii. Rehabilitation package –surrender of militants on rise due to

attractive packages being offered. Continued Maoist violence has adversely
affected mining activities not only that social activities, public offices
remained closed leading to further anguish among locals. Resultantly the
 launch of elite force took place .this action of government made the Maoists
go on a back foot. a huge number of hideouts recovered and along with equal
amount of arms and ammunition, moreover the causality figures of Maoists
ran a long lists leading to killing of the top ranked commanders. A movement
was launched backed by the government called salwa judum organised in
2005 involving arming the villagers with weapons to defend against atrocities
of the Maoists. adivasi youths recruited on payment of 1500 rupees later it
was under section 17 increased to 3000 rupees helping the local police .as a
result of this people took shelter in relief camps organised by government.

iii. Unabated violence kept on growing more rigorously after the action
of salwa judum, op greyhound, mutilation of bodies and placing ieds inside
the dead bodies. Abduction of minors and then recruiting them in the bal
sangham. A group mainly of children’s brain washed and made a lethal
weapon. Issues cropping up of illegal weapon supply mainly links of police
surfaced. One of the successes highlighted the procurement drive from
Kolkata busted by nia. Government upped the ante by opening ied
management institute, pune. All this with an aim to flush out militants from
the liberated zone. Watching this closely, Maoists also changed tactics from
hit and run to surprise attack and ambush in heavy strength and equally
ammunition. The then UN secretary general ban-ki-moon addressed the
problem at united nation of employing the children’s into acts of violence
and also he commented upon unprecedented growth on the established red
corridor inside India resulting in brutal killing of people.

iv. Reported killing of 76 crpf personal , 28 congressmen and union

home minister led to upsurge in moral of Maoists and anger amongst those
killed in the act .state firmness quite clear but the instances of the human
shield and fake encounter cases made situation worrisome .

e. chapter 5 deals with nuances of the Maoists movement in Bihar, escalated

violence and helplessness of government.

i. comrades deserting charu mazumdar operated independently in Bihar

due to ideological differences and method of operations leading to formation
of separate groups under different leaders , comrade vinod Mishra founded
CPIL, later known as Indian liberation front , subsequently he and his party
joined politics, contested in assembly polls and secured nine seats in
assembly. Mcc close links with cpnm was quite clear for varied reasons
(training, arms, ammunitions etc.). Both the parties developed rivalry
resulting in subsequent mass killing on both sides .religion became one of the
prime connection for rivalry and support to mcc but various group’s .oaran
and tharo tribes of Nepal basically followed Christianity and hence supported
 mcc. Revenue collections and fund collection was done by attacking the
railway as it became a soft target leading to huge loss to railways. attack on
mobile towers to evade surveillance and demolishing school building nearly
150 schools .when governments started tighten its noose , several top
leaders were arrested .violence escalated resulting in law and order ,and
heavy strength attacks on police station lead to death of several police man .

ii. Livelihood maintenance of Maoists was done by forcing farmers to

grow opium for money in sale value to buy arms and ammunition via links
outside the country. Cm nitish Kumar having a soft corner of these Maoists as
he felt them being illiterate and landless falling to garb of this extremism,
could have been a political agenda and he putted the point with union home
minister. Bihar being poor in literacy rate, development and govt
functionaries unavailable became a favourable ground for red movement.

f. chapter 6 deals with the odisha being in grip of Maoist movement. Fast
growth of naxalite movement in Andhra Pradesh was not at all taken seriously,
preparation regarding tackling the growing menace. Complacency and conciliatory
policy helped the growth of ultras. they started using it as int network and all the
effort to tackle were going null and void .in total thirteen districts were affected. All
Maoist cadres nearby odisha were attempting to build east west corridor. tribles
living for so many years in that pay a part of income and stay away from the wrath of
Maoist. Terror groups followed same strategy to gain influence by looting,
abduction, killing etc. cause of spread of naxalism is same as in other states.

g. chapter 7, deals with the birthplace of red movement i.e. west Bengal.naxal
movement started in naxalbari village in Darjeeling under the founder charu
mazumdar along with comrade kanu sanyal .followed strictly the principle of ‘blood
and iron’ .jungle mahal became safe heaven and lalgarh became epicentre of Maoist
activities. Conflict between Maoists also arose in cpm and rest of Maoists. Idea of
compact revolutionary movement was mooting and an attack on cm motorcade
resulted in launch of operation green hunt leading to a huge loss to Maoists and
seizure of heavy arms and ammunition. Malpractices like secret courts known as
jana adalat were taking a heavy toll onto villagers indiscriminate killing of locals
made them rebel against them in the form of harmad bahini , a group of young
armed individuals for fighting Maoists. Following actions of security forces a lull
spread in jungle mahal .

h. chapter 8 deals with the extremist growth in Andhra Pradesh, spreading of

compact revolutionary zones or as we call it red corridor. Here no link was there with
naxal movement in west Bengal, party named CPI( ML) PW later on merged with
naxals of Bihar and then idea of red corridor came. Formed CPI( MAOISTS) later on in
2004. This new outfit spread in Maharashtra, west Bengal, Bihar, and Maharashtra.
 This group was pampered by CM NT rama rao initially but after several years due to
violence and bloodshed his grandson criticised the action of Maoists. Bloodshed and
riots spread, villagers were paying annually a hefty sum of rupees 14 crores annually.
State has been quite effective in making contact with rural populace and hence there
is a decline in incidents.

j. chapter 9 deals with fair sex cadres recruited in Maoists and their
exploitation or sexual abuse of weaker sex, sacrifices of security forces and
contribution of paramilitary forces. Female cadres quite dependable, hard-core
followers, a stint of leadership, possess a good fighting spirit hardly leave the group.
In Chhattisgarh a group named “ chetna natya mandal focuses in fair sex recruiting
and able leadership. In gadchiroli, women cadre leading from the front. Many other
women cadres forced in sex with male Maoists and sexual abuse cases were not
payed heed with seniors, leading to filthy disease, veneral disease, and harsh
treatment were faced by female cadre. A huge loss to CRPF initially due sacrifices of
fellow comrades but unflinching and determined crpf forces carried on their job with
perfection and slowly and steadily regained almost all the parts in Maoists and peace
has prevailed.

k. chapter 10 deals with police excess in west Bengal, a decline trend on

Maoists. Initially excesses done in area fumed the naxal voice and an era of
bloodshed and violence spread leading loss of life on both sides, but recently there
has been a declining trend in activities , Maoists resented the killing of people and
have sought corrective action and guidance from the government. And response
from home ministry is good and both have agreed to work in cohesion and aim for
prosperity. Government determination has been proactive to fight this menace and
has paid off. Questions remains, is this a lull before a storm, because history reminds
that sometimes a lull points at a disaster in silence. But whatever may be the
situation current scenario is showing progress with a hope of better society.

10. Writing. Dr B.P. Saha tells his story with remarkable wit, elegance and
exceptional candour. His candid storytelling style captivates you and once you start reading
you get so engrossed that the book cannot be put down. The language used is simple yet
effective. The book has been written so that even the civil populace could read it and hence
there is no military jargon. The author writes straight from the heart and that is why this
book will not only educate you but also will move you emotionally, strike a chord and get
you thinking. From the way he writes it is evident that besides patriot, the author was a
thinker and a scholar, extremely well-read and well-informed, and possessed a witty sense
of humour, and has interspersed his book with quotes, metaphors and similes. The only
drawback of the writing is that the author gets too repetitive of certain points throughout
the book, especially during the initial portions thus compromising brevity.
11. Value for Money. The book is currently valued at Rs. 1295/- in the market and
is worth every rupee of its worth. The pages and the binding of the revised edition of the
book are of good quality. The font used in the book is good and the font size is easily
readable.