Recent MHA data shows 85% decline in LWE violence since 2010, with affected districts reduced from 126 to 38, demonstrating success of government's integrated approach.

Understanding Left Wing Extremism

LWE refers to violent insurgency by Maoist groups seeking to overthrow the state through armed revolution, exploiting socio-economic grievances in tribal areas.

• Ideological Foundation: Based on Marxist-Leninist principles advocating violent overthrow of existing system.
• Geographical Spread: Operates in "Red Corridor" across Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, and Maharashtra.
  

  Erstwhile Red Corridor

• Organizational Structure: Led by CPI (Maoist) with estimated 6,000-7,000 active cadres.
• Target Areas: Focuses on tribal belts with mineral wealth and forest resources.
• Revenue Sources: Extortion from mining companies, contractors, and illegal levy collection.

Impact on People Affected by LWE

Security and Human Cost:

• 374 violent incidents in 2024 resulting in 150 casualties including civilians and security personnel. Example: Dantewada IED blast (2023) killed 10 security personnel.
• Displacement of tribal communities due to cross-fire between security forces and Maoists.
• Recruitment of tribal youth through coercion and ideological indoctrination.
• Attacks on development projects, schools, and healthcare facilities.

Developmental Impediments:

• Obstruction of road construction, mining operations, and industrial projects.
• Limited access to education with 40% schools closed in worst-affected districts.
• Healthcare delivery disrupted affecting maternal and child mortality rates.
• Economic activities severely impacted in mineral-rich tribal areas.

Government Measures to Eliminate LWE

Security Initiatives:

• SAMADHAN Strategy: Comprehensive approach involving smart leadership, aggressive operations, and actionable intelligence.
• COBRA Forces: Deployment of 10 specialized battalions trained for jungle warfare.
• Greyhounds Model: Adoption of Andhra Pradesh's successful anti-Maoist strategy.
• Fortified Police Stations: Establishment of 400+ fortified outposts, anti-IED equipment, UAVs, and modern arms.
• Intelligence and Technology Use: Real-time coordination through Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) and Operation Octopus. Use of drones, satellite mapping, and GPS tracking to counter Maoist hideouts.

Development Programs:

• Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan: To bridge critical gaps in infrastructure, health, education, and livelihoods in tribal-majority areas.
• Road Connectivity: Construction of 17,000 km roads under Road Connectivity Plan in LWE Affetected Areas (RCPLWE) scheme.
• Digital Infrastructure: Installation of 7,768 mobile towers improving connectivity.
• Special Central Assistance: ₹3,563 crore allocated for development in 90 districts.

Rehabilitation Measures:

• Surrender Policy: Financial assistance and skill development for surrendered Maoists.
• Civic Action Programs: Healthcare camps, educational initiatives by security forces.
• Employment Generation: MGNREGA implementation and skill development centers.

The government's "Security and Development" twin approach has yielded significant results. With continued implementation of Aspirational Districts Programme and enhanced tribal welfare schemes, complete elimination of LWE by 2026 appears increasingly feasible.