20100524438 | Editorial: Naxal-Maoist Nexus with Islamist Terror Groups | Editorial

By The Editorial Team, on 24-05-2010 20:04

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Now it has been again stated that there is a nexus between the Naxal-Maoist outfits and Pakistani terror groups like Lashkar-i-Toiba. This was stated this time by Chhattisgarh chief minister Dr. Raman Singh in the wake of Naxal-Maoist attack in Dantewada. The attack resulted in blowing up of a bus killing around 40 innocent persons. It was obvious from Naxal-Maoist modus operandi of beheadings, slitting of throats and wanton killings of the innocents which are exclusive tactics of Islamist terror groups. Add to these trade marks of ISI /Lashkar the repetitive defiant declarations that they will repeat 'Dantewada massacres' again plus the news about an old encounter in which Maoists had used bullets having markings similar to those used in 13 December 2001 attack on Indian Parliament. It is a pity that the ruling political dispensation is slumbering unconcerned.

Too much reliance on the theory that Maoist violence as a result of neglecting development of tribal areas seems to have few takers given the revelation of Naxal- Maoist nexus with Islamist terror groups. Equipped with sophisticated weapons and trained in armed combat and use of IEDs and landmines Naxal-Maoist are also reportedly receiving substantial help from some foreign power - most probably by Pakistan - though it could be China too. On a rough count there are around 30,000 or more Maoist cadres across the country. It is beyond doubt that such an army, comparable with LTTE, could have been raised without huge foreign support. Some of the latest weapons being used by Maoists must have been purchased abroad, perhaps with foreign money, just as supporters of LTTE used to do. It may be noted that Khalistani terrorists and ULFA were trained and equipped by ISI and Pak army. An army of 30,000 cannot be sustained with mere extortions.

In the given situation government can hardly afford to neglect the external links which the Naxal-Maoists have developed. Such developments are very much alarming and needs to be checked before they assume monstrous proportions. Repeated Naxal-Maoist attacks are bleeding India and innocent poor people are losing lives. It is now high time that the government acts with stringent punitive measures to crush the nexus and secure safety for the citizens at the earliest.