India Prepares New Assult on its 'Biggest Threat'

India's government is planning a new and major assault on Maoist rebels, Naxalites, inside of four Indian states. The assault upon the Naxalites may begin as soon as this month and may take many months or years to complete. India has been fighting these rebels since it became a democratic, capitalist country. India is adding 20,000 troops to some 35,000, who are already fighting the Naxalites. India is trying to overpower the rebels with a lot of troops to compensate for its lack of strength when it comes to things like training, transportation, and arms. India is doing this now because the Naxalites have spread into 20 of India's 28 states and also because at least 700 people have been killed by the rebels this year. Even though it looks like India might when this fight easily, the Naxalites are very tough opponents. The Naxalites have about 20,000 troops themselves who are skilled jungle fighters, and who are also well equipped when it comes to weapons. Another advantage is that the Naxalites have support from the poorest, rural people in many of the states that they occupy. This means that the local population will not help the new Indian troops willing. Naxalites not only have support among the poor, but they are also starting to make inroads among many poor people in urban centers. Many people think that India will only make the situation worse because instead of trying to fix the problems of poverty and alienation, which lie at the heart of the Naxalite rebellion, they are just trying to destroy the Naxalites. It still remains to be seen if India is successful with its new troop surge, but hopefully it can a different solution to the Naxalite problem before it leads to more fighting.

By: William Miller
Source: Christian Science Monitor