Mangaluru: Are Maoists attempting to reestablish their foothold in Karnataka’s Western Ghats? Could the lingering fears over the Kasturirangan report be giving them a new issue to garner sympathy from the people? These concerns have arisen following the encounter in which Maoist leader Vikram Gowda was reportedly killed, along with sightings of armed Maoists in Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, and Chikkamagaluru districts in recent days.
A historical context: The Kudremukh National Park issue
The dense forests, remote villages, and tribal settlements of the Western Ghats have long provided a haven for Maoist activity. The group gained significant traction in Karnataka during the anti-Kudremukh National Park movement in the early 2000s. The declaration of the park by the government, which imposed restrictions on people living within its limits, led to fears of displacement among locals.
These concerns, coupled with reports of forest department excesses, gave Maoists an opportunity to pose themselves as the voice of the oppressed.
Poor infrastructure, the absence of communication networks, and scattered tribal communities further helped them strengthen their presence. By 2002-2003, the Maoists had strengthened their presence in the Western Ghats of Malnad and Coastal Karnataka districts of Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru districts.
Over the years, however, their influence waned. Government initiatives, including special grants, infrastructure improvement, and development programs in Naxal-affected areas, gradually reduced public support for the Maoists. The fear surrounding the Kudremukh National Park also declined, eroding their platform. The arrest or surrender of key leaders, including BG Krishnamurthy, repeated encounters, further weakened their operations. By the late 2010s, Maoist activity in Karnataka had nearly come to a halt.
The Kasturirangan report: A new catalyst?
The recent sightings of Maoists have fueled speculation that Maoists may be using renewed fears over the Kasturirangan report to regain their influence in the Western Ghats. The high-level committee led by Dr K Kasturirangan recommended declaring parts of the Western Ghats as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA). While the central government has issued the draft notification, Karnataka has strongly opposed it due to widespread opposition among residents and elected representatives.
Many people living in the villages near the Western Ghats fear the report’s recommendations could halt developmental activities, restrict livelihoods, and impede access to basic infrastructure. Some even worry they may have to sell their land if the report is implemented. These fears echo the unrest during the Kudremukh National Park protests, which the Maoists successfully exploited to build their base.
“They had used the Kudremukh issue to gain sympathy in the past. Now, with the Kasturirangan report causing similar fear among the people, they might attempt to use the situation to rebuild their influence. The government must address these fears quickly to prevent that,” said a retired officer who monitored Maoist activities two decades ago.
Cross-Party Opposition
Elected representatives from all political parties in the Coastal and Malnad regions have opposed the Kasturirangan report. Some of them have even led a strong protest in their respective constituencies. They argue that the recommendations would severely disrupt local communities and developmental activities.
Despite this political consensus, uncertainty surrounding the report persists, creating an opportunity for Maoists to exploit public apprehension for their propaganda.
A Call for Vigilance
While the recent incidents of Maoists visiting villages in Western Ghats may be isolated ones, there is a growing concern that they could exploit socio-political issues to garner public support. The government will have to take proactive measures, including transparent communication to address fears surrounding the Kasturirangan report and also continue development initiatives alongside maintaining rigorous vigilance by security forces in vulnerable areas.
