Approach
The Introduction: Describe left wing extremism (LWE).
The Body
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- Impact on people of LWE and measures taken to eliminate it.
The Conclusion: Integrated security, development, and community engagement strategies.
The Introduction:
Left Wing Extremism (LWE), also known as Naxalism or Maoist insurgency, refers to armed movements led by radical leftist groups seeking to overthrow the state through violence, primarily in India’s central and eastern regions.
The Body
Left wing extremism and impact on people:
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- LWE is driven by Maoist ideology with the objective of overthrowing India’s democratic system to establish a parallel system of government by force.
- Areas affected includes the “Red Corridor” which spans states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, Maharashtra, and parts of West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
- Impact on People:
1. Loss of lives: Thousands of civilians, security personnel, and insurgents have died due to violent attacks (example, Dantewada bombing 2023, attacks in Bijapur).
2. Displacement and migration: Fear of violence and military operations causes mass displacement, leading to loss of livelihoods and cultural disintegration.
3. Destruction of infrastructure: Schools, roads, and telecom networks are destroyed or occupied, impeding education, connectivity, and development.
4. Economic stagnation: Frequent extortion, levy collection from local businesses, and project delays discourage investment and development.
5. Psychological trauma: Communities endure a climate of fear, mistrust, violence, and trauma, with children exposed to routine insecurity. Women face dual threats from extremists and during security operations.
6. Social and administrative disruption: Parallel justice through “Jan Adalats” undermines rule of law; welfare schemes like PDS and MGNREGA are under-implemented due to lack of administrative reach.
Measures taken to eliminate LWE:
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- National policy and action plan (2015): Multi-pronged strategy combining security interventions, development initiatives, and ensuring rights of local communities.
- SAMADHAN Strategy: This includes Smart Leadership, Aggressive Strategy, Motivation and Training, Actionable Intelligence, Dashboard-based Key Result Areas, Harnessing Technology, An Action Plan for Each Theatre, and No Access to Financing.
- Security measures: Deployment of Central Armed Police Forces, modernization of state police, construction of fortified police stations, intelligence sharing, anti-terror training schools, and helicopters for rapid operations.
- Scheme of Fortified Police stations: 400 Fortified Police Stations have been constructed in 10 LWE affected States.
- Aspirational District: The Ministry of Home Affairs has been tasked with the monitoring of Aspirational districts programme in 35 LWE affected districts.
- Skill Development and Education: 48 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and 61 Skill Development Centres (SDCs) have been made.
- Development measures: Special focus on expanding road networks, telecommunication, skilling, and financial inclusion. Flagship schemes adapted for LWE districts to improve basic amenities and economic opportunities.
- Capacity building: Funding via Security Related Expenditure, Special Infrastructure Scheme, and Special Central Assistance for equipment, infrastructure, and police training.
- Community outreach: Civic action programs, improved rights and entitlements for tribals, and efforts to mainstream vulnerable groups.
- Reduction in violence and area: As a result, violence from LWE declined by over 80% since 2010 and affected districts reduced from 126 (2010) to 38 (2024).
The Conclusion:
Through integrated security, development, and community engagement strategies, the Government of India aims to eliminate Left Wing Extremism by 2026, restoring peace, governance, and development to affected regions.
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