The Linkage Between the Development and Spread of Extremism

Development is what every citizen seeks to live a fruitful life, and it contains the facility of food, clothes, shelter, water, healthcare, education, and a peaceful standard of living. 

Colonial rulers left the country drained and reallocated the resources, which led to the spread of extremism and Naxalism. Naxal had pushed extremism ideology due to insecurity, inefficiency, and underdevelopment among communities who feel left out by government policies. 

Left-wing extremism or Naxalism is communism that chooses the rebellious path to fulfil their economic and social needs and promote a classless society. Left-wing extremism is a supreme hindrance to development. Let’s read further on the linkage between development and extremism.

Left-Wing Extremism and Its Evolution

Naxalism is another name of extremism situated in Naxalbari in West Bengal, India. It was founded in 1967 and became a community of people suffering from development and lack of governance. They struggled for standard living facilities and adopted rebellious options to seek their rights. The spread of extremism has promoted this communist ideology all over the country. The Communist Party of India was primarily founded by freedom fighters in the 1920s against colonial rule, and CPI was inspired by Russian movements and became hope in the Indian revolution.

The revolution happened in 1967 when CPI became CPI-ML (Marxist-Leninist). Their prime ideology was an act of violence against the government in the name of class destruction. Punjab, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, and Orissa were included in the violence.

In 2004, CPI-ML adopted the ideology of Maoism and followed the same act to acquire power over the government. They took the support of arms and physical violence for Naxal activities. Naxalism promoted extremism in Jharkhand, Bihar, Orissa, and West Bengal. The areas were isolated and far from development and didn’t allow any authority to interfere.

The Linkage Between Extremism and Development 

The gap between government administration and development promotes extremism in the areas. These areas have been isolated and built their own rules and standard of living. It is observed that the communist ideology is introverted. The reasons listed below are behind the linkage between lack of development and the spread of extremism.

Here are a few reasons:-

• Improper Administration

Less monitoring of these areas, no government presence, no stability in decisions, and improper implementation of policies are causing hindrances in the ruling. Corruption is eating the resources of development and feeding extremism.

• Unemployment

Poverty, lack of education, no or fewer employment opportunities, poor healthcare facilities, frequent power cuts, and breaking internet connectivity are issues that need urgent attention.

The informal division of wealth in the Naxal regions and the rest of the country has fuelled the widespread fire of extremism in Naxalism.

• Unsatisfied Tribes

The tribal population could not use the forest resources after the Forest Conservation Act of 1980. 

The livelihood had been affected due to this act of government. Urban projects displaced the massive tribal population and provided no or less compensation.

• Social Abuse

The anger due to discrimination against Naxal and other communities living around that region leads to more violence.

• Tourism
• Commercialisation and foreign influence are only harming their civilisation which causes the use of arms and violence.
• The destruction of the Naxal and tribal areas is causing the spread of extremism and blocking development.
• These are significant issues that the government must address to allocate the development and stop the spread of extremism.

Current Scenario Between Development and Extremism

Over time, the Naxal areas are experiencing growth through better government support and schemes. The government focused on fulfilling the basic needs of the people. The government conducted elections with the active participation of the Naxal population in maintaining law and order.

The situation is controlled but not finished from the roots, which needs better administration and monitoring. The prime areas like Bastar and Dantewada still experience attacks targeting the parliamentary forces. Some groups never agreed on following the law & order and wanted to rule according to themselves. They looked for the right time, snatched the power, and took 100% control. 

Monitoring these areas is challenging while being democratic. Peace and development are the prime targets of policies introduced by the administration. The government is implementing education, food, health, shelter, and standard of living. The two-way instrumental approach of ideology and physicalism is working and promoting development.

Conclusion

The article shares knowledge on linkage in the development and spread of extremism. The meaning of left-wing extremism and its evolution are discussed in brief. The Naxal activities affect West Bengal, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, and Punjab. These communities follow the ideology of arms and acts of violence for economic and social development.

Unemployment, tribal conflicts, social abuse, and tourism are the issues that cause a gap in development and fuel extremism. Government policies were never appropriately implemented, and corruption has eaten the resources for development.

Over time the government had controlled the situation, but few groups still participated in attacks. Monitoring and managing while being democratic is a challenge for the government.