With the multi-pronged strategy of the Central and State Governments especially in the last few years, the naxalite problem has been resolved to a large extent in the affected states of the country. However, there are a few pockets in certain states where the naxalite problem still persists, mainly due to involvement of foreign countries. Rohit is posted as SP (Special Operations) for the last one year, in one of the districts which is still affected by the naxalite problem. The district administration has taken a lot of developmental works in the recent past in the naxalite affected areas to win the hearts and minds of the people. Over a period of time, Rohit has established an excellent intelligence network to get the real time information regarding the movement of naxalite cadres. To instill confidence in the public and have moral ascendancy over the naxalites, a number of cordons and search operations are being conducted by the police. Rohit, who himself was leading one of the contingents, got a message through his intelligence source that about ten hard core naxalites were hiding in a particular village with sophisticated weapons. Without wasting any time, Rohit reached the target village with his team and laid out a foolproof cordon and started carrying out a systematic search. During the search, his team managed to overpower all the naxalites along with their automatic weapons. However, in the meantime, more than five hundred tribal women surrounded the village and started marching towards the target house. They were shouting and demanding the immediate release of insurgents since they are their protectors and saviors. The situation on the ground was becoming very critical as the tribal women were extremely agitated and aggressive. Rohit tried to contact his superior officer, IG (SpecialOperations) of the state on the radio set and on mobile phone, but failed to do so due to poor connectivity. Rohit was in great dilemma since out of the naxalites apprehended, two were not only hard core top insurgents with prize money of ₹ ten lakhs on their heads, but were also involved in a recent ambush on the security forces. However, if he did not release the naxalites, the situation could get out of control since the tribal women were aggressively charging towards them. In that case, to control the situation Rohit might have to resort to firing which may lead to valuable loss of lives of civilians and would further complicate the situation.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) data, Naxal violence dropped by 77% between 2010 and 2022, and affected districts have decreased from 126 in 2010 to 46 in 2023. Despite progress, some areas still face sporadic insurgencies fueled by local grievances and external influences.
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(c) Most Appropriate Option:
The most appropriate option for Rohit would be negotiation and de-escalation. Engaging the tribal women in dialogue offers a non-violent approach, minimizing the risk of civilian casualties. This option aligns with the long-term strategy of winning hearts and minds through development work, maintaining public trust while avoiding the use of force. At the same time, it allows Rohit to hold the insurgents and wait for further instructions or reinforcements.
(d) Precautionary Measures in Dealing with Women Protesters:
Rohit's dilemma involves balancing national security with the protection of civilian lives. A strategic, non-violent approach that emphasizes negotiation and de-escalation is most appropriate in maintaining public trust and reducing the likelihood of further conflict.
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