Want and need, desperation and despair, breed extremism. Fortunately, there is a cure, and fortunately, India's government claims it is implementing that cure. However, claims aren't sufficient. India's government must find ways to remove the underlying causes of the extremism gripping many of its citizens. People who live in security, who are able to meet their daily needs and look with hope to the future, do not band together in large numbers to kill in the name of Maoism or in the name of any other philosophy.

Unfortunately, India's past attempts to deal with the Maoist movement have fed it. Allying itself with the brutal and undemocratic government of Uzbekistan, banning the Maoist Party from running for office, and attacking student protesters with lethal force simply encourages citizens to view India's government as undemocratic and unyielding.

Worst of all, are accounts of India's government taking the side of industry against the people who live on mineral and other resource rich land. India's government disappears labor leaders and left wing activists. What message can this send to the people of India, save that the government is unjust and takes the side of wealthy thieves rather than the side of those who rightfully own the resources and that to protest the government's actions is to risk being murdered in secret?

Now violence escalates in increasingly vicious skirmishes between Maoists and pro-government militias. Both sides commit atrocities and acts of terrorism in the communities caught up in the conflict, but the majority of atrocities reported seem to be committed by government supporters.

India's wealth increases. India is a nation of vast resources and resourceful, diverse peoples. India has made great strides in widening the distribution of its wealth. India has a thriving middle class and is increasingly technologically innovative. India has a long, rich history of triumph in the face of adversity and oppression. Greed, corruption, and want can surely be overcome in time to put out these extremist fires before India is consumed.

Learn more about this author, Lou Jones.
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