Naxalism- A Distortion of Democratic Development (An Old and Rare Book)

Foreword This is without doubt a most valuable study, and the work and analysis is of a high order. Naxalism is known in the United Kingdom, but is only a word to most of us. I am sure that the analysis of the causes of violence is correct, and with the decline in authority in nearly every country, violence has become superficially an easy remedy, appealing especially to a few of the young as a means of remedying their grievances. I also agree with the implicit conclusion in the document that those of us who are in politics must consistently adopt the highest standards of which we are capable and live up to our promises, although I am afraid that, being human, we shall always fall short. The poor, the victimised, those who are unjustly treated, will always turn to non-democratic methods if there is no means of outlet or opportunity to remedy their injustices by constitutional means.

Preface The Institute had convened a Workshop on Naxalism: A Distortion of Democratic Development on the 7th and 8th April, 1990, in order to develop an unified canvas of Naxalism emerging from the kaleidoscopic perceptions. An attempt was made to analyse the national response, and to suggest an action plan.

A group of 33 eminent citizens representing all shades of political opinion, law enforcement authorities, administrators, journalists, voluntary activists, rural/tribal youth, academicians and civil liberties - participated.

The method adopted was essentially interactive; no papers were presented. The discussion was aided by, but not confined to, a background paper, and several notes sent in advance by some of the participants. A draft statement of the workshop was circulated among those participants who attended the Workshop on both the days for their comments and endorsement. This statement represents the agreed canvas reflecting diversity of perceptions, but not necessarily a consensus on all the facets of Naxalism.

The Workshop was inaugurated by H. E. Shri Krishan Kant, Governor of Andhra Pradesh.

Shri C. Subramaniam, Chairman of the Institute and Governor of Maharashtra sent a message expressing concern over the problem of Naxalism and suggesting that it should be tackled on the social, economic and political fronts.

The Rt. Hon. Lord Callaghan, Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom read the report with keen interest and wrote the foreword.

My colleague Dr. L.S.N. Murty, Associate Professor helped in finalising the report.

Shri V. Bhima Sankara Rao typed the script.

Book's Contents and Sample Pages