Suppose, the naxalites have kidnapped a Deputy Commissioner from Baster region in Chattisgarh and taken him to the Abujmad area. In return for his release, the Nexals demand that all naxal prisoners must be released from jails across India. In such a situation, which among the following may be the best conflict resolution mechanism? 1. The paramilitary and local police attack the naxalites and attempt to release the kidnapped. 2. The state force offer huge sums of money to the naxals as ransom and release all naxal prisoners. 3. The state forces engaged the naxals in a dialogue while simultaneously sending in a commando force to release the prisoners. 4. The state forces utlize local mediators to engage wiith the naxals to workout a resolution process for release of the kidnapped. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

In high-stakes hostage situations involving Naxalites in regions like Abujmad, the primary objective is the safe release of the official while maintaining state authority. Historical precedents, such as the 2012 abduction of Sukma Collector Alex Paul Menon, demonstrate that the state often utilizes local mediators to engage in dialogue with the insurgents [3]. Direct military attacks (Option 1) or commando raids (Option 3) in the dense, un-surveyed terrain of Abujmad pose extreme risks to the hostage's life and can lead to high casualties. Furthermore, capitulating to extreme demands like releasing all prisoners across India (Option 2) mirrors the 1989 Rubaiya Sayeed case, which is widely criticized for emboldening militants and undermining the rule of law [2]. Therefore, utilizing local mediators to work out a resolution process is considered the most balanced and effective conflict resolution mechanism.

Sources

1. [3] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > Kashmir Situation Worsens > p. 737
2. [1] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > Security > p. 789
3. [2] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > Chhattisgarh > p. 57