Social Exclusion and Naxalism: Introspection from Tribal Perspective

Abstract

The ongoing Naxalism or Left Wing Extremism has severely challenged the internal security and the development of nation. Though it has affected the entire population and nation as a whole, it is the tribals who suffer the most. They are often caught in the crossfire between the extremists and security forces. Besides, as a socially excluded group, tribals have been deprived from the benefits of development for years. As a result, they remain behind in all developmental indicators as compare to other social groups. At present, it is generally perceived that the emergence of Naxalite movement is rooted in the peasant unrests and class conflicts; it is not the only reason. Though, a plenty of literature have dealt various causes of Naxalism but very few of them have looked social exclusion as the root cause of emergence of Naxalism. It is in this context that the present paper makes an attempt to explain the role of social exclusion in the emergence of Naxalism in India. It also discusses the economic, educational and health problems of tribals as well as human rights violations in left wing extremist affected areas, with special reference to Chhattisgarh.

Keywords: Social Exclusion, Left Wing Extremism, Caste System, Colonisation, Displacement, Red Corridor, Human Rights Violation

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