Naxalism in India has become synonymous with terror, rather than revolution. However, in certain parts of Bharat, their ideology and tactics continue to be revolutionary, although the common man has become a victim of their revolutionary violence. This perhaps explains the expansion of the Naxal base in 13 states, although the various Maoist groups are far from united even in one state.

What is interesting, however, is a recent shift in Naxal strategy. They had virtually declared a war against the Salwa Judum (peace organisation), a volunteer-based action by Adivasis sponsored by the Chhattisgarh government, and blew up a vehicle carrying its activists. More recently, they abducted six policemen in Chhattisgarh, but released them two days later with the reassurance that they had nothing personal against them. Coming soon after the brutal attack on the ‘salwa judum’ activists, the release of the abducted policemen was confusing. Then, on March 14 in Jharkhand, there was the release of a hijacked train, with its passengers unharmed.

Are Naxalites, then, making a distinction between the Indian state and ordinary people, including security personnel who fight them on behalf of the state? Difficult to say at this early stage. An analysis of their strategy over the past few years, however, does not indicate any such discernment. Lately, Naxal groups have been asserting their combative might and finesse, vis-a-vis security forces. Not surprisingly, their arms budget in Bihar alone is reported to be Rs 3 crore. Remember the precision with which attack was conducted on Chandrababu Naidu when he was Andhra CM in 2003? The military precision with which they attacked the Jehanabad prison in Bihar in December 2005, to free their jailed colleagues and abduct Ranvir Sena men, is another case in point. It showed that police establishments across India need to be much better equipped to take the Naxals. In order to instil fear Naxal groups without exception have also relied on the brutal execution of those who defy them. In Chhattisgarh, they identified the activists of Salwa Judum as enemies and have attacked them individually as well as in groups.

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