The Naxal Menace (Courtesy-- NDTV)

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has described Naxalism as the biggest internal threat. The note of caution comes even as the four-decade old movement gains momentum and establishes a red-corridor cutting across several states.

The Naxalites claim to represent the most oppressed class, those who are often left untouched by India's development and bypassed by the electoral process. Naxalites thus are getting more involved in local struggles, often feeding on the perceived lack of development.

Is lack of development in these areas responsible for the spread of the Naxal movement? Have the Naxals succeeded in exploiting the marginalised tribals and landless peasants?