NAXAL AREAS are one of least developed areas in the country and the lack of government and private initiative over the years have made the populace ideal fodder for exploitation by the Naxal movement. The current situation forbids or nearly closes government development ventures in these areas due to serious security concerns. Private ventures including those of NGOs cannot progress optimally due to the same reason. So what is the way out? How can development be initiated in these areas without the Naxals interfering? Large-scale deployment of army/forces and development projects could be the answer, but this may not be the policy of decision makers at the moment. Could it be that the tribal masses want development but the Naxalites do not. Is there a mismatch? Could it be exploited? Can the Naxals, given their Robin Hood image, be so averse to development? Is it a fact? Can it be changed?

Among the tribals, society leaders are key communicators for issues in these areas. Are they anti-development or are they so in the grip of Naxal that they also support underdevelopment in these areas? In some instances the Naxals have indeed helped out in development drives in areas controlled by them. What if Naxals were given government resources/private resources/funds for development activity that would be credited to them? Yes, it would further enhance their Robin Hood image among the tribals and bring a few more willing followers to their fold. But what would be the return for the government? Would it not be that sustained economic ventures enhance the quality of life of the tribals? Would it not expose the tribals to a new life and more assets? Would economic improvement eventually bring about a change in perception?

Are not the Naxals eventually looking for political power? Can their power be sustained for ever only on the basis of fear with no development accredited to them? Is having ex-Naxalities in power, such a bad idea? What was Laldenga before he became the CM of Mizoram? Does being in political power within the framework of democracy enhance or corrode the Naxal movement? Is it true that the Naxals on assuming political power will wipe out all existent instruments of State? Or can it be different in the context of the Indian state? Are not Left-wing States surviving and running in some cases? Answers to all these questions are debatable. However one issue that stands out is that development in Naxal areas will change a lot of existing dynamics. How do you get development to reach thse areas through conventional or unconventional means. The idea is to promote development, since that is what any society, even a tribal one would eventually desire. Once development reaches and expands its reach, circumstances will force the powers to create and maintain the progress.

Philosophies and ideologies often get diluted on the way. What if the Naxals appoint key personnel for executing development in areas controlled by them and funds are channelised via a suitable media? Yes, there would be pilferage for their cause, but some money would perforce have to go in for executing developmental schemes and since the Naxals would be stakeholders in the schemes such as those for the provision of safe hygienic drinking water, construction of water storage areas, and the distribution of medicines for livestock, these schemes are unlikely to be vehemently opposed by the Naxals, since they alleviate the misery of the masses. If the Naxals are credited with running the schemes, it goes with their ‘Robin Hood/Messiah' image among the masses. Once these schemes go through on a trial basis in some districts, more ambitious ones of hospitals, veterinary centres and schools could be planned. Naxal supporters and people who approve of them could run these institutions.

The idea is to involve the tribals, Naxal supporters and others in the process through awarding contracts for the execution of schemes. The existent contractor lobby once broken could ensure the involvement of tribals. It could develop into a win-win situation for Naxals, the government and the tribals. The Naxals get credit and funds, while the government gets to execute developmental schemes in Naxal areas it cannot execute itself and the tribals benefit at the ground level. Implementation may or may not be possible and only time will decide the success or failure of such a venture which is indeed risk prone. But given the current situation, do we have many options as far as promoting development in Naxal areas is concerned? Maybe an effort in this direction needs to be deliberated upon by concerned authorities/ powers at the helm of affairs. It is not the only option to promote development and not necessarily the best one, and may or may not be a workable one on the ground, but it can be examined, starting off with minor projects in some areas.