Q10. The Government of India recently stated that Left Wing Extremism (LWE) will be eliminated by 2026. What do you understand by LWE and how are the people affected by it? What measures have been taken by the government to eliminate LWE?
Possible Introductions
Definitional framing:
Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India refers to the Maoist/Naxalite movement that claims to fight for the rights of tribals and marginalised groups, but often resorts to armed violence against the State and civilians.
Contextual framing (India):
Emerging from the Naxalbari uprising of 1967, LWE spread to the “Red Corridor” affecting states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra, Kerala, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Philosophical framing:
As former PM Manmohan Singh called it, LWE is the “single biggest internal security challenge” to India, highlighting its deep social and political dimensions.
Directive Analysis
“What do you understand by LWE” → requires definition and context of Maoist insurgency.
“How are people affected” → explain social, economic, and security impacts on tribals and local communities.
“What measures” → list the multi-pronged state strategy with specific schemes.
Body of the Answer
1. What is LWE?
Left Wing Extremism is a major internal security threat rooted in Maoist ideology that seeks to overthrow the Indian state through armed rebellion.
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- Origin and Ideology: The movement began with the Naxalbari uprising in West Bengal in 1967 and spread through a “Red Corridor” of remote, underdeveloped, and tribal-dominated regions. The main group is the Communist Party of India (Maoist), which promotes violent revolution over democratic processes.
- Tactics and Targets: Naxalites use guerrilla warfare and propaganda, targeting security forces, democratic institutions, and public infrastructure. They exploit local grievances related to socio-economic inequalities and land rights to gain support.
2. How are People Affected by LWE?
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- Violence and deaths: Innocent civilians and security forces are caught in a cycle of violence. Though declining, LWE violence has historically resulted in hundreds of deaths each year.
- Targeting of civilians: Maoists often brand civilians as “police informers” and torture or kill them.
- Disrupted development: Insurgents disrupt schools, roads, and healthcare infrastructure to perpetuate marginalisation.
- Economic disruption: LWE activities discourage investment, keeping regions backward and poor.
- Psychological impact: Fear, intimidation, and abduction traumatise local populations.
- Recruitment: Civilians, including children, are coerced or indoctrinated into Maoist ranks.
3. Measures Taken by Government
A. Security and Policing
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- Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme: Reimbursement for training, ex-gratia, rehabilitation, and village defence committees (₹3,260 crore released).
- Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS): Strengthening state intelligence branches, Special Forces, and fortified police stations (221 built).
- Fortified Police Stations Scheme: 612 fortified stations built by 2024 (only 66 in 2014).
- Assistance to Central Agencies: ₹1,120 crore to CAPFs/IAF for helicopters and infrastructure.
- SAMADHAN Doctrine: Integrated approach using leadership, tech, and intelligence.
B. Civic & Confidence-Building Measures
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- Civic Action Programme (CAP): Security forces conduct welfare activities to bridge trust.
- Media Plan: Countering Maoist propaganda through radio, documentaries, and tribal outreach.
C. Development Initiatives
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- Special Central Assistance: Infrastructure and services in LWE-affected districts.
- Road & Telecom Projects: Connectivity to markets and governance.
- Aspirational Districts Programme: Development interventions and monitoring.
- Financial Inclusion: Banking, postal, and digital services expansion.
- Skill Development: Training centres, vocational institutes, residential schools for tribal children.
- Local Recruitment: Encouraging tribal youth to join security forces.
X-Factor: Multi-layered schemes under the umbrella Modernisation of Police Forces align security, development, and community trust.
Possible Conclusions
Future-oriented:
With sustained security and development efforts, India is on track to eliminate LWE by 2026.
Policy-oriented:
The real solution lies not just in policing but in ensuring land rights, forest governance, and inclusive development in tribal regions.
Philosophical:
The end of LWE will mark not just a victory of the State over insurgency, but of democracy, development, and justice over alienation.
