Abductions by Maoists - Enough is Enough

The abductions of Malkangiri Collector R.V. Krishna and junior engineer Pabitra Majhi by the Maoists, has reiterated the fact that, when it comes to tackling the Maoist menance, the state governments are yet to demonstrate a firm determination to crush it with all our might.

It was a known fact that the Malkangiri district is a Maoist infested area, besides being Orissa’s remotest flank. As per reports, Krishna and Majhi were on a two wheeler when their abduction took place. How come the state government not consider it prudent to provide adequate security cover to both of them? That the Maoists have been using abduction as a favorite strategy to put the state governments on the backfoot, is a well established fact.

Now, within hours of the abductions, Orissa government halted all the combing operations against the Maoists, and is now also considering the release of some of their cadres to secure the release of the two officials. Whether or not the cadres who are being considered for release, were booked on serious charges, is a moot point.

What merits serious concern now is that, such a swap deal would only reinforce the fact that, the best way to tame the state governments, is by carrying out such high profile abductions, and then getting some Maoist cadres released, thereby making a complete mockery of the anti Maoist strategy deployed by the various state administrations.

Secondly, another matter of serious concern is that, if Krishna could be abducted despite doing an excellent work in this remote area of Orissa, then how could we expect to bring about the necessary progress and development in such remote areas, which are at present infested by the Maoists? It is no surprise that many administrative posts in such areas are vacant, as no official is willing to be posted there.

That more than 10,000 tribals in the area covering fifteen villages along the Andhra-Orissa border, besides several others, held peace rallies seeking the release of Krishna and Majhi, speaks volumes of the kind of popularity which Krishna enjoys, all due to his dedicated efforts in bringing about a transformation in those remote areas of our country.

By ignoring such appeals, the Maoists have proved it beyond doubt, that they are nothing but a band of ruthless criminals, who are bent upon challenging the might of the Indian state, to serve their own interests.

The Orissa government should have first upped the ante against the Maoists, by deploying as many forces as possible in the region, where Krishna and Majhi are suspected to be held, followed by a heavy air surveillance by the IAF or Army choppers, so as to put pressure on the Maoists. Besides, the government should have also capitalized on the support of the tribals, to zero down on the area, where the two could have been held hostage by the Maoists.

This would have given the state government the necessary psychological advantage, before getting down to negotiations. Simultaneously, the state government should have also threatened an all our war if Krishna and Majhi were harmed in any way. But then who has the courage to take this kind of a bold stand?

That will be the day when the various state governments in coordination with the Centre, make a firm resolve to wipe out this menance once in for all, by a well coordinated action, which may include assistance from the defence services if required. But till then, let us be prepared to see more of such abduction dramas and release of some important Maoists, who have been captured at the cost of the supreme sacrifices made by our valiant security personnel, not to overlook the innumerable civilians, whose lives have been so ruthlessly snuffed out by such criminal elements.

And finally, what is really worth noting is that, while there was a brief drama in the Orissa assembly over this abduction, there has not been any voice of condemnation or protest by the political bigwigs in New Delhi. Perhaps, for such political bigwigs misappropriation of funds and corruption, are far more important issues than misappropriation of the priceless lives of our security personnel and all those helpless victims of such ruthless Maoists.