Dismantling the Roots of Left Wing Extremism

• 14 Aug 2025

Source: TH 

Why in News? 

The Left Wing Extremism (LWE), once a major internal security threat, has contracted from the extensive Red Corridor to just 18 districts, driven by targeted development, sustained security operations, leadership crises, and erosion of its grassroots support. 

What are the Major Milestones in India’s Fight Against Left-Wing Extremism? 

• About: LWE (Left-Wing Extremism) refers to the armed insurgency mainly led by Maoist groups, aimed at overthrowing the government through violent means. 
  • Originating from the Naxalbari movement (1967, West Bengal), it is concentrated in parts of central and eastern India.  
• Key Milestones: 
  • Sustained Reduction in LWE Incidents: Left Wing Extremism (LWE) incidents dropped by more than 50% between 2004–14 and 2014–23. 
    • India aims to eliminate Naxalism by March 2026. 
  • Key Operations: In 2024, India’s intelligence operations neutralized 290 Maoists, aided by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and strengthened Special Intelligence Branches. 
    • The Karreguttalu Hill operation (Operation Black Forest) in 2025 achieved the elimination of key Maoist operatives, with security forces emerging unscathed. 

What Additional Strategies Can Strengthen India’s Response to Left-Wing Extremism? 

• Governance & Development: Ensure last-mile delivery, inclusive growth, and infrastructure development in LWE-affected regions to address socio-economic grievances at the grassroots. 
• Enhanced Security Architecture: Implement technology-enabled smart policing, coordinated intelligence sharing, and area domination operations to maintain a sustained security presence. 
• Community-Centric Approach: Promote trust-building, grievance redressal, and participatory local governance to win hearts and minds of affected populations. 
• Rehabilitation & Mainstreaming: Provide surrender-cum-rehabilitation packages, skill development, and livelihood opportunities for former extremists to aid reintegration into society. 
• Inter-Agency & Centre-State Coordination: Adopt a whole-of-government approach with joint task forces, unified command, and real-time decision-making for effective LWE management. 

Related Keywords for Mains 

• “Development Defeats Dissent” – Accelerated infrastructure, livelihoods, and welfare in LWE-hit areas. 
• “Security with Sensitivity” – Balanced use of force with respect for rights and local culture. 
• “Connectivity as Counter-Insurgency” – Roads, telecom, and digital access as enablers of integration. 
• “Education Ends Extremism” – Schools and skill training to break recruitment cycles. 

Conclusion

The sustained decline in Left Wing Extremism reflects the success of India’s multi-pronged SAMADHAN doctrine—Smart leadership, Aggressive strategy, Motivation and training, Actionable intelligence, Dashboard-based key result areas, Harnessing technology, Action plan for each theatre, and No access to financing. Going forward, consolidating these gains will require deepening last-mile governance and ensuring inclusive development. 

Drishti Mains Question:

What is Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India, and what are the key factors contributing to its decline in India? 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Mains:

Q. The persisting drives of the government for development of large industries in backward areas have resulted in isolating the tribal population and the farmers who face multiple displacements. With Malkangiri and Naxalbari foci, discuss the corrective strategies needed to win the Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) doctrine that affected citizens back into the mainstream of social and economic growth. (2015) 

Q. Article 244 of the Indian Constitution relates to administration of scheduled areas and tribal areas. Analyze the impact of non-implementation of the provisions of the Fifth schedule on the growth of Left-wing extremism. (2018) 

Q. What are the determinants of left-wing extremism in the Eastern part of India? What strategy should the Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas? (2020)