The deadly attack on the CRPF personnel in Chhattisgarh's Sukma, going by post-attack revelations, was almost waiting to happen. While Naxalism in the neighbouring Telangana, which bore the maximum Naxal brunt not so long ago under the undivided Andhra Pradesh has largely been controlled, and is a thing of the past in  other Naxal-dominated  states like Maharashtra, Karnataka and Odisha, it is bewildering that Chhattisgarh continues to reel under the Naxal onslaught. The then Andhra Pradesh government had adopted a "carrot and stick" policy to reign-in the Naxals and, despite initial setbacks and stringent criticisms, the government steadfastly stuck to its plans on reigning in the Naxals. If such an approach has worked wonders in other Naxal-infested states, there aren't any reasons why it should not work in Chhattisgarh. But for that to happen, the state government needs to display a firm resolve and an unwavering commitment. Aggressive posturing on the part of the government and some officers will only aggravate the situation.

The Centre and the state need to coordinate on a war-footing to eliminate the Naxal scourge which has threatened to reach a flashpoint after the Sukma attack. The internal security challenge should be handled with tact and maturity. There are no doubts on the  Naxals' intent: destroy development, create parallel states and condemn human rights. There is also no ambiguity on their enjoying huge local tribal support by will or by force. The government has to take the tribals in the Naxal-dominated Sukma-Dantewada-Bastar district belt into confidence by education and awareness to weaken the Naxals. There cannot be anymore excuses on intelligence failures despite possessing sophisticated unmanned aerial vehicles like "drones" to provide inputs on Naxals. Experise and experience at all levels of policing, strictly maintaining the standard operating procedures, less noise and more work, letting the jawans to do what they are best at, arming them with refined weapons, giving them a free hand and a high degree of anticipation, should all go together to frustrate the Naxals to a point of no return.