The Naxal Threat : Causes, State Responses and Consequences

Naxalism or Left Wing extremism is a major internal security threat faced by India. Though Naxalism predates independence, it was limited to small pockets of areas but now has spread to underdeveloped areas from Bihar to Tamil Nadu. It is a well organized underground movement with an ideological base in rural areas spread over in the interior of many states. The Naxal movement is a complex socio- politico- economic phenomenon. Their violent methods against the government officials, law and order agencies and business community are causes, needing immediate and serious attention.