In Delhi, security agencies fear a return to the Shining Path

Indian Express ^ | February 20, 2005 | SUDHI RANJAN SEN

[Tailgunner Joe]

THE talks between the Andhra Pradesh government and the Naxalites began in October 2004. In this period, it is estimated by the Union Home Ministry, the Maoists have increased their core strength of 6,000 armed guerrillas by another 1,000-1,200. ‘‘It is difficult to put an exact figure to the number of fighting men Naxals have in Andhra Pradesh,’’ a senior official admits. He points out the quantum of sympathisers is even more of a guess.

Security agencies say the Naxals have used the ‘‘peace period’’ to regroup and even grow. ‘‘They could move freely, talk to people, hold meetings and strengthen their base in villages and among youth,’’ an official says.

They have virtually exercised sovereignty by offering the carrot (giving away government land) and as well as the stick (jan adalats that even sentence people to death). Three months ago, the Warangal meeting on Charu Majumdar’s death anniversary was an eye-opener. Some 15,000 Maoist supporters turned up, many with weapons.

Home Ministy agencies cite examples of meetings organised by the Radical Students Union, the student wing of People’s War (PW), in several places, including Hyderabad’s Osmania University. There has also been a geographical expansion. Today, leftwing extremism affects 15 states and 160 districts. A year ago, it was 12 states and 155 districts.

SECURITY agencies indicate Naxals have worked towards securing channels of communication and funds during the ceasefire. Maoist militants have directed petrol pump owners in the Raychoti area to supply 2,000 litres per month for their vehicles. They have put in place a system for collection of money from local businessmen.

Central police organisations point fingers at the state administration’s inefficiency. In vast tracts of Andhra Pradesh’ Naxal zone, police stations are non-functional. The state machinery has vanished.

When former BJP president M. Venkaiah Naidu’s plane crash-landed in a village recently, Andhra policemen were ready to meet him only on the national highway. He had to make it there, past four villages, on his own, riding pillion behind a plucky motorcyclist. Venkaiah Naidu’s rescuer now faces a death threat.

LIKE the Tamil Tigers of Sri Lanka, the Naxalites seem to view a ceasefire as only a minor inconvenience between two periods of war. They have shown no intention, Home Ministry officials stress, of giving up weapons or engaging in serious negotiation.

While security specialists fret, the political signals are vague. The Centre says law and order is a state subject, but actively supports the dialogue. Home Minister Shivraj Patil has been known to see the Maoists as ‘‘our own boys’’.

Unlike Jammu and Kashmir, where politicians are talking but anti-insurgent operations continue, in Andhra Pradesh, the police is on the defensive, shackled by a vacillating government. As such, it seems only a matter of time before the PW returns to its Shining Path.

[Semper Paratus]

I thought the Shining Path was Peruvian?

[razoroccam]

Yes, it is. Sendero Luminoso was (was is the operative word) Maoist. Naxalites in India are Maoists as well. Hence, they are loosely called SL here. Stupid, but there it is.