ABOUT THE BOOK

The book is not merely a narrative or a pen-picture of the extremist out-fits and their activities in several states in India. Truly, it is an unflinching testimony of the extremist movements, its fast growth in seven states, defection by many leaders, birth  of independent out-fits, enthusiastic response from the vast section of neglected, exploited and down-trodden mass, various facets of the movement, inter action with leaders in jail, its initial success and sign of decay, etc, depicted relying on direct evidence.

Merger of the CPI (ML) People’s War, and the Maoist Communist Centre  (MCC) and formation of the CPI (Maoist) in 2004, gave a forward push to the Maoist movement. Admittedly, It is not a separatist movement but a struggle to establish the People’s Government demolishing the existing social and political order in the so called liberated,  Red  Corridor. The Union and State governments’ insouciance to view it a” law and order problem” failing to assess its direct  bearing on socio-economic and political life, stepped up violence and bloodshed and boosted morale of the Maoists.

In W B, CPM government’s  lofty  idea to tackle the movement politically, A P’s appeasing  policy, Bihar’s soft line, Odisha’s initial hesitation, Chhattisgarh’s  misadventure to counter it raising  a parallel outrageous unit (SalwaJudum), lamentably back fired. However, firmness and co-ordination of the governments eventually gave rewarding dividend. Many leaders surrendered and returned to the main stream. Maoists’ war chest, leaders keenness for urban comfort, lavish living, wealth amassed secretly, contribution and leadership of fair sex Maoists so long unnoticed and unsung,   have been brought to fore free from prejudice for the first time.

Swift development in seven states have been  discussed analytically in separate chapters.  People’s disillusion, security forces success,  threat to the national security, sign of decay of the movement, its sombre future, crisis of the leadership have been dispassionately high-lighted from detached angle.

ABOUT Author

Dr. B. P. Saha obtained his PhD and D. Litt degrees in History from Utkal University. A former Fellow of the Indian Institute of Advance Study, Shimla, former Director of MaulanaAbulKalam Azad Institute of Asian Study, Ministry of Culture, Govt of India, Saha has been devoted to historical studies and research for more than three decades. He has supervised many research projects and guided researchers, participated in many prestigious seminars both in India and abroad, and taken part in an international symposium organised by the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.

He has already authored 12 books, including a text book titled Ancient Indian History for the students of Hons, post graduate and competitive examinations, which has been highly acclaimed. Now, a text book on European history is in the pipeline.

An officer of the Indian Police Service (1963), he has held many important assignments, received Police Medal for Meritorious Service and The President Police Medal for Distinguished Service. He worked in the Border Security Force, took active part in Bangladesh Operation 1971 and captured Nawabganj and Rajshahi towns, now in Bangladesh.

His stint in the central unit of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), New Delhi, as Superintendent of Police (1975-1980) and for successfully investigating several sensitive cases against VIPs and important personalities has been extolled. In his police service career, he reached the top and retired as DGP (offg) in January 1997.

A noted columnist in national dailies, magazines and periodicals, he writes in four languages and has already published more than 450 articles. He has also received the prestigious BrindabanNaik Award in Orissa for his extensive literary activities. He speaks on history, sociology, law and current affairs, and much of his time is spent in public service and welfare.