Government’s Commitment to Eradicating Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) by 2026

Syllabus: GS3/ Security

In News

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah reaffirmed the government’s goal to eliminate 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 individuals or groups who promote radical leftist ideologies and seek to overthrow the state through violence. It has its roots in the 1967 Naxalbari uprising in West Bengal.
• Terminology:
  • Maoists (global term).
  • Naxalites (India-specific term, derived from the 1967 Naxalbari uprising 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 Naxalim: 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 eight key pillars: Smart Leadership (S) for strong political and bureaucratic execution, Aggressive Strategy (A) focusing on proactive security operations, Motivation & Training (M) to enhance the capabilities of security forces, Actionable Intelligence (A) to improve surveillance and tracking of Maoist activities, Dashboard-based Key Performance Indicators (D) for real-time monitoring of LWE incidents, Harnessing Technology (H) through AI, drones, and digital security systems, 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 special task forces: CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action), Greyhounds, Special Intelligence Branch (SIB).
  • Better intelligence & drone surveillance: Improved tracking of Maoist movements.
• Improved Centre-State Coordination:
  • Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme: Funds provided to states for counter-insurgency.
  • Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS): Capacity-building of police forces in Maoist-affected areas.
• Socio-Economic & Developmental Initiatives:
  • Rehabilitation of Surrendered Cadres: Vocational training and financial assistance for reintegration into society.
  • Skill Development Centres and Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) set up in LWE-affected districts.
  • Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY): 15,000 homes sanctioned for surrendered Maoists.
  • National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) initiative: Providing livestock to surrendered Maoists for financial stability.

Source: TH