Why in the news?
With the aim of liberating India from Naxalism by March 2026, 31 Naxalites were killed at Karreguttalu hill (KGH) on the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border. The operation was conducted by the collective effort of the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (COBRA) of the CRPF, special task force (STF), and district reserve guards( DRG). In this article, we have discussed Left-Wing Extremism (LWE).
About Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)
LWEs are individuals or groups who espouse radical leftist ideologies and aim to overthrow established systems of power through violent means.
(a) LWEs are known as Maoists internationally and as Naxalites within India.
(b) Naxal insurgency in India started in the 1967 uprising in Naxalbari, West Bengal.
(c) India’s Red Corridor: Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Kerala in varying degrees.
Current Status in India
(a) 45 (in 2022) LWE-affected districts compared to 96 (in 2010).
(b) 76% reduced incidents of violence between 2010 and 2022.
(c) 4903 post offices with banking services have become operational in the last 7 years.
(d) 245 Eklavya model residential schools (EMRSs) have been sanctioned for LWE-affected areas.
Factors Responsible for the Emergence of LWE
(i) Jal, Jungle, Jameen (Water, Forest and Land): Forced labour, exploitation of resources by outsiders, dodging of land ceiling laws, refutation of land claims, and ill-framed legislations are curbing the rights of people in LWE-affected areas.
(ii) Socio-Economic Inequalities: Lack of employment, education opportunities, and Infrastructure deficit are a few causes. But also, the absence of healthcare amenities and social exclusion compelled youth to join Naxalite organisations. Insurgency propered, where poverty was already there.
(iii) Inadequate Governance: Several reports suggest that government policies on the ground led to the rise of Naxalism.
Reasons for the decline in LWE in India
Strategic
(a) SAMADHAN: The new operational Doctrine ‘SAMADHAN’ was aimed at tackling LWE by the MHA in 2017.
(b) Special Taskforce: Special operation teams formed in the centre and state forces.
(c) Offensive strategy: In 2022, a huge success was achieved in Operation Octopus, Operation Double Bull, and Operation Chakrabandha in the fight against Maoists.
Developmental
(a) Better centre-state coordination: Funds given for the capacity building of states in the umbrella of various schemes. For eg, the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme and the Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS).
(b) Public participation in Development: The MHA has ensured people’s participation by giving additional thrust to the scheme for the welfare of the poor and the development of militancy-affected areas.
(c) Rehabilitation: The government’s surrender and rehabilitation policies offer several incentives. Some of them are vocational training and financial assistance, aiding their integration into mainstream society. For eg, Industrial Training Institutes and Skill Development Centres in LWE-prone regions.
(d) Improved Development and Governance: Steps focusing on education, employment generation, etc., have decreased the grievances that foster extremism.
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Challenges
(i) Geographical Location: Dense Forest terrain of states like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, and Telangana has provided the Naxals a free space to conduct arms training, hide themselves, and carry out guerrilla warfare.
(ii) Security Challenges: unrestricted inflow of arms and ammunition to them, with the support of illicit manufacturers, looting from government stocks, and also insufficient monitoring and surveillance, etc., embolden security threats in LWE areas.
(iii) Slow pace of political reforms and participatory democracy: Inadequate political representation of marginalized communities, especially tribal populations.
(iv) Ideological Appeal: LWE groups have formed a narrative that gravitates people, from tribal communities, to contribute to the Naxalite movement.
Way ahead
(i) Bridging trust deficit: Employ more local people in the administrative process. This will help limit the trust deficit. Further, support civil society for the awakening of tribals. For example, the Peace March of 2021, in which tribals from Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Telangana participated under the slogan’ Bastar manage hinsa se azadi’.
(ii) Counter-ideological appeal: Promote a democratic way of life among the vulnerable as opposed to the totalitarian, oppressive nature of Maoist ideology.
(iii) Centre-state coordination: Both should make coordinated efforts in eradicating radicalization. Also, a clear division of roles and responsibilities to tackle LWE should be there.
(iv) Security and Capacity building: Attention on the upgradation of local police forces should be there. Also, forces should be small to ensure greater efficiency.
(v) Use of technology: GIS and GPS can help identify camp locations. This intel can help security forces plan attacks to eradicate threats in LWE areas/the red corridor.
Conclusion
An ideology that rests on violence and annihilation will fail in a democracy that offers legitimate forums for grievance redressal. So, through a holistic approach focusing on development and security-related interventions, the LWE problem cannot persist for long..