Profile
Settings
Refer your friends
Sign out
Background:
- Meaning of LWE: A militant ultra-leftist movement aiming to overthrow the Indian state and establish a communist society.
- Originated from the 1967 Naxalbari uprising in West Bengal.
Spread of Movement: Initially confined to West Bengal, it later expanded to Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.
Reduction in Violence
- The number of affected districts reduced from 126 (2018) to 38 (2024).
- The most affected districts have reduced from 12 to 6.
- Districts of Concern have decreased from 9 to 6
- Deaths due to LWE violence dropped by 86%, from 1,005 in 2010 to 138 in 2023.
- Overall, incidents of violence declined by 25% in 2024.
- The number of affected districts reduced from 126 (2018) to 38 (2024).
Challenges in Tackling LWE:
Socio-Economic Issues:
- Factors like poverty, unemployment, land disputes, displacement, migration, food insecurity, and agrarian distress contribute to recruitment by LWE groups.
Security Threats:
- Casualties from violent encounters continue.
- Advanced tactics like IEDs and guerrilla warfare complicate security operations.
Hindrance to Development:
- Infrastructure projects, such as roads and schools, are targeted by extremists.
- Lack of trust in authorities slows development efforts.
Legal and Institutional Issues:
- Funding networks sustain extremist operations.
- Ideological opposition to democracy challenges governance.
- Coordination issues hinder effective anti-LWE measures.
Recent Operations by Paramilitary Forces | |
Operation Hill Vijay (2020) | Established government control by flushing out Maoists from dense forests in Jharkhand. |
Operation Rang (2021) | Arrested Maoist leaders and cadres in the Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra. |
Operation in Kanker, Chattisgarh (2024) | At least 29 alleged Maoists were killed in a gunfight with security forces in the forests of southern Chhattisgarh’s Kanker district. |
Operation in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra (2024) | 12 Maoists were killed during a six-hour-long encounter in the dense Wandoli forests |
Â
Steps Taken by Government
Laws and Security Measures
- Enacted laws such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (1967) and National Investigation Agency Act (2008).
- Implemented the SAMADHAN Doctrine, a multi-pronged anti-LWE strategy.
- Formed specialized security forces like Greyhounds (1989) and COBRA.
- Launched operations like Operation Green Hunt (2009-10).
- Development Initiatives
- Launched the Aspirational Districts Programme to improve socio-economic conditions.
- Introduced the Roshni Initiative for youth training.
- Built 9,000 km of roads in LWE-affected areas.
- Installed 2,343 mobile towers under Phase I, with 4G upgrades planned.
Education and Skill Programs
- Established 245 Eklavya Model Residential Schools, with 121 functional.
- Set up ITIs and Skill Development Centres for training.
- Conducted a Youth Exchange Program benefiting 22,000 tribal youths.
Financial Inclusion: Opened new bank branches, ATMs, and post offices in LWE-affected areas to enhance financial access.
Specialized Forces: Deployed COBRA, Bastariya Battalion, and 66 Indian Reserved Battalions for targeted anti-LWE operations.
Way Forward
Inclusive Development: Focus on marginalized communities for comprehensive growth and integration.
Job-Centric Industries: Promote industries generating large-scale employment to prevent youth recruitment into LWE groups.
Responsible Industrial Practices: Ensure proper rehabilitation and compensation for displaced communities.
Modernizing Law Enforcement: Equip state police and central agencies with advanced technology and resources.
Centre-State Cooperation: Strengthen coordination between state-led operations and central government support for effective counter-LWE strategies.
Why in News?
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that India has made significant progress towards a Naxal-free nation by reducing the number of most affected districts from 12 to just 6.
