Bihar reports sharp drop in Naxal violence, May work in favour of coalition government

Bihar in the last few weeks has recorded a sharp drop in Naxal and Maoist activities. This is suspected to be due to the belief that the new coalition government will address the issues of the poor.

Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Director General Kuldeep Singh said Bihar is almost free of Naxalism. "There is no place currently dominated by Naxal groups. Budha Pahar which was ruled by Naxal groups for 32 years has been won now."

RJD spokesperson Chitranjan Gagan said people are only attracted to Naxal activities when they realise that the government does not listen to their issues and government policies are not reaching them. They turn to Naxal groups for logistical support. He added that this has started to change since the formation of the new government.

"The society is sensing that the development works and the policies will reach them as well. Hence, they believe in this government and its results are coming before us. The Naxal activities are reducing in Bihar and it is becoming a Naxal free zone in the country," he added.

The current Bihar government is a coalition of seven parties including three left parties CPI, CPI-M, and CPI(ML) which have 16 MLAs representing the constituencies known for Naxal violence. The recent developments are being considered a serious effort to address the issues of Naxalism in Bihar. CM Nitish Kumar has also pointed out the importance of Left parties in the government.

In known Naxal-affected areas of Aurangabad, Bhojpur, Arwal, and Rohtas, it has led to the surrender of Naxal and Maoist groups. Active groups are being arrested and both developments are said to be working in the favour of the new government. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is working on creating a united front in the state against the BJP.

Bharat Sharma, a political observer of the Naxal-affected Bhojpur district, said that the battle against Naxal groups cannot be won with weapons. The government needs to go in deep to address the issues of Naxal sympathisers. He added that the government's efforts are giving people the impression that people living in Naxal hit areas have representation in the government and this will address their issues.