Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in India: Security, Development & The Way Forward

Syllabus: Linkages between development and spread of extremism.

Context: Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai stated merely ending Maoism not enough, government needs to take development to LWE-affected areas, focusing on Bastar region integration into mainstream.

More in News:

• In past two years, 505 Maoists neutralized, 2,386 surrendered, and 1,901 arrested; Bastar being integrated into mainstream through security and development measures comprehensively across region.
• Under ‘Niyyad Nella Naar’ scheme, basic amenities like ration, Aadhaar cards, Ayushman cards, housing, electricity, roads provided to remote villages in Left Wing Extremism-affected Bastar areas systematically.
• Schools reopened in Bastar; events like eco-tourism, Bastar Pandum, Bastar Olympics creating new identity for region; CM stated Bastar has immense tourism potential for future development prospects.

About LWE

• Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) or Naxalism remains one of India’s gravest internal security threats.
• It is driven by Maoist ideology seeking to replace democratic institutions with a classless revolutionary state.
• The movement originated from the 1967 Naxalbari uprising in West Bengal, triggered by agrarian discontent.
• Over decades, it expanded into the Red Corridor, cutting across central and eastern India.
• Maoists use violence, propaganda, and psychological influence to challenge state authority.

Determinants of LWE

• Socio-economic Disparities

• • Affected regions face deep poverty and inadequate livelihood opportunities.
  • Low literacy, weak healthcare, and minimal state presence worsen marginalisation.
  • Poor connectivity restricts access to markets and essential services.
  • Such deprivation fuels resentment and enables Maoist recruitment.

• Tribal Exploitation & Displacement

• • Displacement stems from forest regulations under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
  • Mining and development projects force tribal communities off ancestral lands.
  • Loss of traditional rights increases insecurity and alienation.
  • Maoists exploit these grievances to gain legitimacy among tribal groups.

• Governance Vacuum

• • Weak state institutions allow Maoists to run parallel administrations.
  • Socio-political discrimination deepens mistrust in government agencies.
  • Poor welfare delivery sustains long-term community frustration.
  • Limited security presence enables Maoist dominance in remote belts.

• Maoist Manipulation

• • Maoists target vulnerable youth with weapons, money, and ideological grooming.
  • They manipulate grievances to present themselves as protectors of rights.
  • Coercive tactics force villagers to assist the movement.
  • Propaganda campaigns distort democratic processes.

Threats Posed by LWE

• Human Cost

• • From 2004 to March 2025, 8,895 people lost their lives to LWE violence.
  • Victims include civilians, police personnel, and surrendered cadres.
  • Regular ambushes and IED attacks create persistent insecurity.
  • Displacement and trauma disrupt community cohesion.

• Infrastructure Destruction

• • Maoists frequently destroy roads, bridges, schools, rail lines, and health facilities.
  • Sabotage efforts aim to stall development and isolate communities.
  • Public service delivery becomes slow, costly, and unsafe.
  • Education and healthcare access decline in affected regions.

• Subversion of Democracy

• • Elections face disruption due to Maoist intimidation and threats.
  • Polling booths were absent for 17 years in Bijapur due to fear.
  • Parallel Maoist courts undermine constitutional governance.
  • Political participation reduces in vulnerable tribal areas.

Government Measures

• Developmental Initiatives

• • More than 1,000 bank branches and 900 ATMs established in LWE districts.
  • 5,900+ post offices with banking facilities have expanded financial inclusion.
  • 178 EMRSs, 48 ITIs, and 61 SDCs strengthen education and skills.
  • Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (2024) enhances rural amenities.
  • Civic Action Programme builds trust between locals and security forces.

• Security Initiatives

• • SAMADHAN framework
    • smart leadership, aggressive strategy, motivation, actionable intelligence, dashboards, technology, theatre plans, and blocking finance.
  • NIA and ED disrupt Maoist finances through PMLA investigations.
  • Fortified police stations enhance security presence in interior areas.
  • Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy reintegrates former rebels.
  • PESA and Forest Rights Act implementation strengthens community confidence.

Way Forward

• Adopt a sustained integrated strategy combining development and security.
• Strengthen local policing and specialised joint task forces across states.
• Improve grievance redress systems to address tribal concerns meaningfully.
• Expedite investigations to enhance judicial accountability in LWE cases.
• Expand community outreach and counter-propaganda initiatives through CAP.