Eradication of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) by 2026

Context

Union Home Minister reaffirmed the government’s target to eradicate Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) by March 31, 2026 after security forces neutralized 31 Maoists in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh.

Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)

• • Definition: LWE refers to people or agencies who promote radical leftist ideologies and seek to overthrow the state through violence. It has its roots in the 1967 Naxalbari rebellion in West Bengal.

• • Terminology:

• • • Maoists (global term).
    • Naxalites (India-specific term, derived from the 1967 Naxalbari rebellion in West Bengal).

• • Regions Affected (Red Corridor):

• • • Highly affected: Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, West Bengal.
    • Moderately affected: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala.
  • Decline in Naxalism: 53% decrease in LWE-related incidents (16,463 cases from 2004-2014 to 7,700 cases from 2014-2024).
    • 70% decline in civilian and security personnel deaths.

Reasons for the Decline in Naxalism

• Strategic & Security Measures: 

• • SAMADHAN Doctrine (2017):  The acronym SAMADHAN represents 8 key pillars: 

• • • Smart Leadership (S) for robust political and bureaucratic execution, 

• • • Aggressive Strategy (A) focusing on proactive security operations, 

• • • Motivation & Training (M) to beautify the skills of security forces, 

• • • Actionable Intelligence (A) to improve surveillance and tracking of Maoist activities, 

• • • Dashboard based Key Performance Indicators (D) for real-time tracking of LWE incidents, 

• • • Harnessing Technology (H) thru AI, drones, and digital security structures, 

• • • Action Plan for Each State (A) to tailor counter-insurgency efforts, and 

• • • No Access to Financing (N) to disrupt Maoist funding channels and illicit networks.

• Military Operations:

• • • Operation Octopus, Operation Double Bull, Operation Chakrabandha: Large-scale operations against Maoist hideouts.
    • Formation of unique challenge forces: CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action), Greyhounds, Special Intelligence Branch (SIB).
    • Better intelligence & drone surveillance: Improved monitoring of Maoist actions.

• Improved Centre-State Coordination:

• • • Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme: Funds supplied to states for counter-insurgency.
    • Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS): Capacity-constructing of police forces in Maoist-affected regions.

• Socio-Economic & Developmental Initiatives:

• • Rehabilitation of Surrendered Cadres: Vocational schooling and financial assistance for reintegration into society.
  • Skill Development Centres and Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) established in LWE-affected districts.
  • Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY): 15,000 homes sanctioned for surrendered Maoists.
  • National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) initiative: Providing farm animals to surrendered Maoists for financial stability.

Source: The Hindu

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. The persisting drives of the government for development of large industries in backward areas have resulted in isolating the tribal population and the farmers who face multiple displacements. With Malkangiri and Naxalbari foci, discuss the corrective strategies needed to win the Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) doctrine that affected citizens back into the mainstream of social and economic growth. (2015)

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