On my last trip to India, I was struck by the number of people who raised the threat of the Naxalites - the Maoist rebels who number an estimated 10,000 individuals and are impacting over a quarter of the country’s 602 counties. The groups see themselves in some quarters as modern day Robin Hoods but are bringing violence and instability to the poorest areas that need the most assistance. They are an indication of the growing gap between rich and poor, and something to be monitored in our world where forces compelling the gap to grow are powerful. How to provide the poor with the real opportunities of the global marketplace becomes a more urgent imperative for all of us. This article from the Star-Ledger provides more information about the Naxalites.
I have had the opportunity to work in the Information Technology Department on a State Government worst affected by the naxalites. I have for the past 4 years often visited the worst affected areas by the naxal violence and only recently have I seen the media take up this serious issue. This issue has not cropped up suddenly and I could see strong undercurrents as far as 5 years ago. The worst part is that the local village and forest dwellers who have been living in such areas for generations are caught in the crossfire. Last week I was in India and had first had experience of the extreme conditions villagers are facing. Statistics show that this conflict has taken more lives this year than the external conflicts between India and neighboring countries. Government of India is now taking serious measures to tackle this growing threat. The solution to me lies in strengthening these grassroots communities and the tools are education, means of livelihood and health care.
Reply to Aman Grewal