Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), as identified by the Union Home Minister, poses a significant internal security threat to the nation. LWE organizations seek to instigate change through violent revolution, showing a distinct disapproval for democratic institutions. They disrupt democratic processes at ground level, thwarting developmental activities in the least developed regions of the country while keeping the populace oblivious to current events.
The decline in LWE Violence
A decade review uncovers a substantial drop in LWE violence from 2258 incidents in 2009 to 833 in 2018. This decline is attributed to the consistent efforts of our security forces that have resulted in a decrease in related incidents, deaths, and geographical spread.
An Overview of Government’s Strategy: SAMADHAN Doctrine
SAMADHAN doctrine stands as a comprehensive solution to the LWE problem, enveloping government strategies from short-term to long-term policies. The acronym SAMADHAN represents – S for Smart Leadership, A for Aggressive Strategy, M for Motivation and Training, A for Actionable Intelligence, D for Dashboard Based KPIs and KRAs, H for Harnessing Technology, A for Action plan for each Theatre, and N for No access to Financing. Formulated in 2015, this national strategy uses a multipronged approach to combat LWE and ensures participatory governance and protection of local tribals’ rights, among other goals.
Government Actions against LWE
The government has taken measures such as sharing intelligence and raising 66 Indian Reserved Battalions (IRBs) to counter the threat posed by LWE organizations.
HTML Table
| Sr. No. | Parameters | 2009 | 2018 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | No. of incidents | 2258 | 833 |
| 2 | Deaths (Civilians & Security Forces) | 1005 | 240 |
| 3 | Number of affected districts | 96 (in 2010) | 60 |
Development in LWE Affected Areas
The government has implemented various schemes in areas affected by LWE such as the Special Central Assistance (SCA) for public infrastructure, Road Connectivity Project for road construction, Skill Development initiatives, Education Initiatives for building new schools and Installation of Mobile Towers for telecommunication connectivity.
Fighting Forward
Despite the reduction in LWE violence, continued efforts are necessary to eliminate these groups completely. Innovative measures need to be employed to prevent IED related incidents which have been a significant cause of casualties in recent years. Police force modernization and capacity-building are key to neutralizing the LWE organizations efficiently. States should also revise their surrender policies to bring innocent individuals caught in the LWE trap back into mainstream society. With states adopting a focused, timely approach to completely eradicate LWE groups, the synergized efforts of the Centre and the States will contribute immensely towards achieving the holistic development of “New India”.