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49% Say The Fight Against Maoists Will Never End

Two of every three respondents in Maoist-affected states believe the war against Maoism will eventually be won. But is the battle without end?

Two of every three respondents in Maoist-affected states believe the war against Maoism will eventually be won. But is the battle without end? The uncertainty is reflected in the fact that half our respondents thought so. These are the findings of a poll conducted for Outlook by Marketing & Development Research Associates (MDRA) on October 13-14 in Hyderabad, Calcutta, Patna, Raipur, Ranchi. Sample size: 519.


Do you agree with the PM's opinion that Maoism is the ‘great internal security threat’ facing India?
Yes
86.5
No
10.8
Don’t Know/Can’t say
2.7

Is the use of violence by Maoists (killing, beheading, etc) a justifiable tactic?
Yes
6.0
No
92.6
Don’t Know/Can’t say
1.2

Do you agree with the home minister’s strategy of deploying the Indian army to deal with Maoism?
Yes
56.1
No
34.5
Don’t Know/Can’t say
9.4

Should the Indian air force be allowed to fire back at Maoists firing at its aircraft?
Yes
53.4
No
40.3
Don’t Know/Can’t say
6.4

Should locals be trained to help the State fight Maoists, like the Salwa Judum in Chhattisgarh?
Yes
76.5
No
14.5
Don’t Know/Can’t say
9.1

Should people in Maoist-affected areas be evacuated before any strike?
Yes
85.4
No
12.5
Don’t Know/Can’t say
2.1

In your opinion, are the Maoists justified in picking up civilian targets to make their point to the State?
Yes
6.4
No
91.5
Don’t Know/Can’t say
2.1

Do you think the Indian State will win the war against Maoists?
Yes
64.5
No
22.5
Don’t Know/Can’t say
12.9

What do you think is the main cause for growth of Maoism?
Lack of development
63.0
Government policies which help big business
19.5
Exploitation of tribal land by government and big business
6.6
Police atrocities
7.9
None of these
1.2
DK/CS
1.9

How should the govt deal with the Maoist problem?
Negotiate with Maoists directly
50.5
Use third-party mediators
8.9
Develop adivasi areas better
26.4
Use police & security forces
11.4
None of these 
0.8
DK/CS
2.1

How should the Maoists deal with the government?
Call a ceasefire, hold dialogue
34.3
Surrender and negotiate
28.9
Cooperate with the State & participate in development
31.2
Continue the struggle
3.3
None of these 
0.8
DK/CS
1.5

How long will the fight against Maoists go on?
Up to 1 month
1.3
1-6 months
5.6
6 months-1 year
11.8
More than 1 year
32.4
Will never end
48.9

All figures in percentage
Published At:
US