India trying to deal with Maoists with calibrated approach

Ajay Kaul
Geneva, Nov 22 (PTI) Indian government is working out a
calibrated approach to deal with the Maoist problem as it does
not want to use disproportionate force against the naxals who
enjoy "sizeable" support in the civil society.
Even as Maoists carry out strike after strike, the
government is undecided on launching any operation against
them and is weighing pros and cons.
"We are debating sensitivity and sensibilities while
considering the options. We are trying to review how best to
go about it," said a government source here.
While some operations have been launched, further actions
are not being undertaken as the government "recognises that
they (naxals) have sizeable amount of support in civil
society", the source said.
"The problem is not violence by Maoists, but the support
from civil society who argue that they are a neglected lot. We
are trying to deal with the problem with a calibrated
approach," the source added.
Significantly, the source underlined that Maoists are a
problem but they are not to be treated as "terrorists".
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Home Minister
P Chidambaram have repeatedly described naxalism as one of the
greatest internal threats to the country.
Chidambaram has been saying that the government is
willing to hold talks with Maoists to address their grievances
regarding development but wants them to cease violence first.
Significantly, Chidambaram has not insisted on the
Maoists laying down arms, saying he recognises that it was not
practical. PTI AKK
ANU