Naxal CadreThe audacious Naxal attack on the security forces in Dantewada has once again generated highly polarized opinion. But surprisingly, this time, the difference is not between the political parties, rather it’s within the Congress – heading the UPA II at the Centre.

For decades now, the fight against Naxalism has taken the country to nowhere. In the backdrop of the Dantewada attack, in which 76 paramilitary troops were ambushed and killed, the government finds itself in a precarious position.

Two key Congress leaders – Digvijay Singh and Mani Shankar Aiyar – have severely criticized Home Minister P Chidambaram for his approach to tackle the issue. However, what has surprised many is BJP’s support for Chidambaram who claims to ‘defeat’ the Maoists in three years.

As the government dissects the events that led to the Dantawada attack, there are many pressing questions that still remain unanswered with regard to Naxalism in India. Since its beginning in 1967 as a peasant uprising, Naxalism continues to challenge the Indian state.  Why does Maoism still find so many people on its side? Why does a country find itself helpless against these ‘red rebels’? Is Naxalism only a law and order problem?

Decades have gone-by, but the questions are same.

But this is not the first time that the Naxal debate has divided opinion. The issue has been seen through two different prisms over the decades. Many feel that Maoism is a result of Government’s apathy towards poor and tribal population. They say it’s a legitimate fight against the oppressive and discriminatory government.

And on the other side of this debate are people who believe Maoism is a political ideology aimed to overthrow the Indian state. They argue that Maoists are not the real representatives of the poor tribals.

And herein lies the government’s dilemma – who are the Maoists and who are tribals? As the government is all set to launch a sustained offensive, the complexity of the issue will continue to divide public opinion.