Why is it in the news?

• Recently, the Union Home Minister announced that the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) will be completely eradicated from India within two years.

More about the news

• He stated that Naxalism is a menace to humanity, and the government is committed to eradicating it in all forms.
• Data from the Ministry of Home Affairs shows a decrease in LWE-related incidents and deaths from 2004 to 2014 (17,679 incidents and 6,984 deaths) to 2014 to 2023 (7,649 incidents and 2,020 deaths as of June 15, 2023).
• He highlighted that 2022 recorded the lowest number of violent incidents and deaths in Naxal-affected areas in the past four decades.
• The number of security forces and civilian casualties in LWE violence has also dropped by 90% in 2022 compared to the peak in 2010.
• Violent incidents in Naxal-affected states decreased by 77% in 2022 compared to the peak in 2010.
• Over the past five years, there has been a significant improvement in the LWE security situation in India, following the implementation of the ‘National Policy and Action Plan to address LWE’ in 2015. The policy involves a multi-pronged strategy encompassing security measures, development initiatives, protection of local communities’ rights and entitlements, among other aspects.

National Policy and Action Plan, 2015

• Security related measures include assistance to LWE affected States by providing CAPF Battalions, helicopters, UAVs, construction of fortified police stations, funds for modernization of State Police forces, arms and equipment, training assistance, sharing of intelligence etc.
• Apart from flagship schemes of the Central Government, several initiatives have been taken for development of LWE affected areas. These include focused schemes for development of roads, installation of mobile towers, skill development, improving network of banks and post offices, health and education facilities, particularly in the 35 worst affected districts.
• Further, it includes Rights and Entitlements related measures.

Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)

• Advocates for societal and political change through revolutionary means.
• May target government institutions, law enforcement agencies, or private property.
• Originated in India with the Naxalbari uprising in 1967.

Factors responsible for LWE

• Governance gaps and discrimination against tribals.
• Socio-economic disparities, poverty, unemployment.
• Land alienation and displacement.
• Advocacy for Adivasi rights.

Government Initiatives

• National Policy and Action Plan to address LWE 2015.
• Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
• SAMADHAN strategy (Smart Leadership, Aggressive Strategy, Motivation and Training, Actionable Intelligence, Dashboard Based KPIs and KRAs, Harnessing Technology, Action plan for each Theatre, No access to Financing).

Way Forward

• Community Engagement and Dialogue.
• Youth Entrepreneurship and Startup Incubation.
• Ecological and Sustainable Development Initiatives.
• Empowering Local Peace Ambassadors.
• Social Impact Bonding to attract private investments in countering extremism initiatives.