CRPF gunned down Maoist. 17 people were killed. Debate is ragging whether these were Maoist or simple villagers. Irrespective whether these were Maoist or villagers, it is a matter of grave concern that we in our own country kill so many of our own citizens.
Why do people in the Naxal belt take to guns? How are Maoist able to recruit so many in their ranks? The reason is not difficult to find. Oppression, casteism, feudalism is rampant in rural India. Governance and rule of law is confined to books only. Law is used, and abused by the powerful as and when it suits them.
All of us have had our brush with the government agencies - whether law enforcement or otherwise - one time or the other. We know how difficult is it to deal with them, so much so that an average person does everything possible to avoid them. Keep this in mind, that we are talking about educated people in large cities where media is active. If this is the state of affairs in cities, imagine what it must be for the uneducated, poor people living in rural India. What recourse is left for them? Any self righteous person would take to gun to protect the honor and dignity of his own, his family and his community.
It is critical to address the basic issues that make people leave their regular life and take to gun. It is difficult for me to believe that all these people, who join ranks with Maoist have a deviant mind. It is tragic that the only way we seem to be trying to solve the problem is by having a bigger gun then them!
Why do people in the Naxal belt take to guns? How are Maoist able to recruit so many in their ranks? The reason is not difficult to find. Oppression, casteism, feudalism is rampant in rural India. Governance and rule of law is confined to books only. Law is used, and abused by the powerful as and when it suits them.
All of us have had our brush with the government agencies - whether law enforcement or otherwise - one time or the other. We know how difficult is it to deal with them, so much so that an average person does everything possible to avoid them. Keep this in mind, that we are talking about educated people in large cities where media is active. If this is the state of affairs in cities, imagine what it must be for the uneducated, poor people living in rural India. What recourse is left for them? Any self righteous person would take to gun to protect the honor and dignity of his own, his family and his community.
It is critical to address the basic issues that make people leave their regular life and take to gun. It is difficult for me to believe that all these people, who join ranks with Maoist have a deviant mind. It is tragic that the only way we seem to be trying to solve the problem is by having a bigger gun then them!
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