CRPF has constituted a new battalion of local recruits to deal with the Naxals.
While some see this as an innovative approach to address the problem, other fear that the battalion might is a refurbishment of the violent Salwa Judum.
What is the Bastariya Battalion?
Bastariya Warriors is a newly formed battalion of the CRPF that consists of 549 recruits, all of whom are exclusively from the 4 districts of Bastar region.
Notably, several physical and educational relaxations were granted to aspirants to facilitate recruitment.
Following the completion of the 44-week training programme, the battalion is expected to be deployed soon.
According to the CRPF, the battalion will be immensely helpful in operations, as its recruits are familiar with the local terrain and language.
This battalion is expected to act as a bridge between the local populations in the Red Corridor and other CRPF personnel (mostly from elsewhere in India).
Nevertheless, this force has evoked the troubling memories of Salwa Judum.
What is Salwa Judum?
Salwa Judum was an armed force that was mobilised in 2005 (informally by politicians) and deployed in parts of Chhattisgarh.
Local tribal people were armed to counter Maoists in Bastar, and those who supported the idea stated that it was a spontaneous uprising of tribals.
Hence, with tacit support of the government, Salwa Judham was initiative that turned tribal youth into a vigilant but ill trained army.
But as the force took ground, it established a reign of terror in the region, and was subsequently banned by the Supreme Court in 2011.
Notably, allegations against Judum were numerous, with attack against civilians ranging from –killings, torching of villages, sexual assaults etc...
Also, as the face-off between the Maoists and Judum intensified, both sides showed little sensitivity to the locals caught in cross fire.
What are the views of detractors against the battalion?
Activists argue that like the Judum, the Bastariya Battalion seeks to pit tribals against tribals and could again cleave tribal society.
If a villager was to join the Battalion, then their families run the risk of attracting the ire of Maoists (recorded threats already aplenty).
Data also indicates that during and immediately after the end of Judum’s activities, there was an unusual spike in Maoist recruitments.
This is probably a case of villagers seeking to safeguard themselves from crude government sponsored violent insurgents – a trend that could repeat itself.
Notably, ‘District Reserve Group’ (DRG) of Chhattisgarh Police is also majorly constituted of former Maoists and Judum soldiers.
Activists point out that DRG too has had a poor track record in human rights and anti-naxal operations.
What is the government’s argument for raising the battalion?
The government argues that the battalion will give the security forces an operational dimension, which is currently being provided by the state police.
CRPF officials also vouch that the major difference between the Judum and Bastariya Battalion is in the intensity and holistic nature of CRPF training.
The 44-week training is said to cover not just modules on jungle warfare and weapons training, but also civic responsibilities and human rights.
Hence, it has been argued that Bastariya recruits are regular CRPF constables like a personnel form any other battalion.
Officials also argue that the presence of locals will increase the sensitivity of the CRPF - especially with one-third of the recruits being women.
While one has to wait to know if the battalion is a success, it is important for the warriors to realise that they will be rated for human rights too.
