{"id":360723,"date":"2026-04-14T15:05:37","date_gmt":"2026-04-14T09:35:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/?p=360723"},"modified":"2026-04-14T16:09:02","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T10:39:02","slug":"naxalism-in-india-explained-pointwise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/naxalism-in-india-explained-pointwise\/","title":{"rendered":"Naxalism in India &#8211; Explained Pointwise"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Reflecting the central government&#8217;s decisive defence strategy against Left Wing Extremism, significant progress has been made in reducing Naxal-affected regions across the country. With decisive interventions, the Naxal-most-affected districts have been brought down from 36 (2014) to only 3 (2025) and total LWE-affected districts from 126 to just 11 by 2025. The Government has adopted a unified, multi-dimensional and decisive strategy against Naxalism.<br \/>\nOperating on the clear principles of <strong>Dialogue \u2192 Security \u2192 Coordination<\/strong>, the Government has set the firm target of making every Naxal-affected area completely\u00a0<strong>Naxal-free by March 2026.<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_360738\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-360738\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-360738 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Indias-decades-long-battle-against-Left-Wing-Extremism-LWE-is-nearing-its-end.-The-Ministry-o.jpg?resize=750%2C1000&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Left Wing Extremism\" width=\"750\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Indias-decades-long-battle-against-Left-Wing-Extremism-LWE-is-nearing-its-end.-The-Ministry-o.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Indias-decades-long-battle-against-Left-Wing-Extremism-LWE-is-nearing-its-end.-The-Ministry-o.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Indias-decades-long-battle-against-Left-Wing-Extremism-LWE-is-nearing-its-end.-The-Ministry-o.jpg?w=1080&amp;ssl=1 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-360738\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: NDTV<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<table style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; border-style: solid;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 100%; text-align: center;\"><strong>Table of Content<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 100%;\"><a href=\"#toc1\">What is Maoist insurgency in India? Where is it prevalent in India?<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#h7\">Significant Reduction in Naxal Violence in 10 years<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#toc2\">What are the reasons that led to the growth of Left-Wing Extremism in India?<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#toc3\">What are the challenges posed by Left-wing extremism (LWE) in India?<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#toc4\">What are the various government policies to control Maoist insurgency in India?<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#toc5\">What had been the issues associated with government measures to control LWE?<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#toc6\">What should be done to completely eliminate the Left Wing Extremism in India?<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><span style=\"color: #000000; text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a id=\"toc1\"><\/a>What is Maoist insurgency in India? Where is it prevalent in India?<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Maoist insurgency:<\/strong>\u00a0Maoist insurgency, which <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">is also known as Left-wing Extremism<\/span> (<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">LWE<\/span>)\/<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Naxalism<\/span>, is an <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">armed movement rooted in political ideologies<\/span> that <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">seek to bring about socio-political and economic changes<\/span> through <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">violent means<\/span>.<\/li>\n<li>It is a form of communism developed by <strong>Mao Tse Tung<\/strong>. It is a doctrine to capture State power through a combination of an armed insurgency, mass mobilization, and strategic alliances.<\/li>\n<li>Maoists want to bring about a <strong>New Democratic Revolution<\/strong> in India as part of the world proletarian revolution. They use violence and believe in adopting the military line to capture power.<\/li>\n<li>These extremists attack the symbols of the country\u2019s power such as the police, schools, and other government institutions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Prevalence of Maoist Insurgency\/ Left-Wing Extremism (LWE):<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The Maoist Insurgency\/Left Wing Extremism has been a long standing security threat which started in 1967 and gradually spread to different parts of the country. The Maoist insurgency peaked in the early mid-2000s.<\/li>\n<li>Naxalism in the country was spread across the\u00a0<strong>\u201cRed Corridor,\u201d<\/strong> impacting states such as Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra, Kerala, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.<\/li>\n<li>However, with the <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">government&#8217;s continued push to end the Maoist insurgency<\/span> through the <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">mix of anti Naxal Operations<\/span> and <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">welfare measures for the tribals<\/span>, has started showing results.<\/li>\n<li>According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Naxal-affected districts slashed from <strong>126<\/strong> (2014) to <strong>only 11<\/strong> (2025), with most-affected districts down from <strong>36\u00a0<\/strong>(2014) to just <strong>3 <\/strong>(2025), marking the near-collapse of the Red Corridor.<\/li>\n<li>In 2025 alone, 317 Naxals neutralised (including top leadership), 800+ arrested, and nearly 2,000 surrendered, driving the highest-ever attrition and demonstrating irreversible momentum toward a Naxal-free India by March 2026.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a id=\"h7\"><\/a>Significant Reduction in Naxal Violence in 10 years:<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>Violent incidents declined\u00a0<strong>53%<\/strong> from 16,463 to 7,744:\n<p><figure id=\"attachment_360732\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-360732\" style=\"width: 365px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-360732 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/LWE-1.jpg?resize=365%2C364&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Left Wing Extremism \" width=\"365\" height=\"364\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/LWE-1.jpg?w=365&amp;ssl=1 365w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/LWE-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/LWE-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 365px) 100vw, 365px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-360732\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: PIB<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li>\n<li>Security force deaths fell\u00a0<strong>73%<\/strong>, from 1,851 to 509:\n<p><figure id=\"attachment_360733\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-360733\" style=\"width: 372px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-360733 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/LWE-2.jpg?resize=372%2C336&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Left Wing Extremism\" width=\"372\" height=\"336\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/LWE-2.jpg?w=372&amp;ssl=1 372w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/LWE-2.jpg?resize=300%2C271&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 372px) 100vw, 372px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-360733\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: PIB<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li>\n<li>Civilian deaths dropped\u00a0<strong>70%<\/strong>, from 4,766 to 1,495:\n<p><figure id=\"attachment_360734\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-360734\" style=\"width: 360px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-360734 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/LWE-3.jpg?resize=360%2C330&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Left Wing Extremism\" width=\"360\" height=\"330\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/LWE-3.jpg?w=360&amp;ssl=1 360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/LWE-3.jpg?resize=300%2C275&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-360734\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: PIB<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><span style=\"color: #000000; text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a id=\"toc2\"><\/a>What are the reasons that led to the growth of Left-Wing Extremism in India?<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<p aria-level=\"2\">The<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"> <strong>D.Bandopadhyay Committee (2006)<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0identified <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">governance gaps<\/span> and <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">extensive discrimination against tribals<\/span> in economic, socio-political, and cultural spheres as the primary causes of Naxalism\u2019s proliferation. Some of the reasons are enumerated below:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li aria-level=\"2\"><strong>Inequitable Socio-economic development: <\/strong>Increasing socio-economic inequities and unemployment in hinterland region nudge the youth to take up arms. There has been <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">disruption of traditional occupations<\/span> and lack of alternative work opportunities.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"2\"><strong>Governance failure: <\/strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Governance deficit\u00a0<\/span>in the remote parts of Red Corridor regions led to the growth of Left Wing Extremism. There was development apathy and huge corruption in the red corridor area. <strong>For ex-<\/strong> <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Lack of food security due to corruption in the PDS scheme<\/span>.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"2\"><strong>Political Marginalization: <\/strong>The tribal groups were politically marginalized by the self-serving dominant groups. This led to <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">political deprivation among the marginalized groups<\/span> leading to hopelessness and a sense of powerlessness.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"2\"><strong>Land Alienation and Displacement: <\/strong>There was\u00a0<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">failure of land reforms<\/span>\u00a0especially in\u00a0<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">land redistribution\u00a0<\/span>after independence.\u00a0The\u00a0<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">development projects and acquisition of land\u00a0for industrial purposes<\/span> have sometimes led to the<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">\u00a0displacement of local communities without adequate compensation or rehabilitation<\/span>. This has been a focal point of Naxalite agitation.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"2\"><strong>Tribal Discontent:<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"2\">There has been poor implementation of laws prohibiting transfer of tribal land to non-tribals in the Fifth Schedule areas.\u00a0<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Non-regularisation <span style=\"color: #333333;\">and<\/span> hasty rejections of land grants of traditional land rights under FRA, 2006<\/span> have also led to the growth of Left-Wing Extremism.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"2\">There has been a huge displacement of the tribal population in the Naxalism-affected states due to development projects, mining operations, and other reasons.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"2\">A huge chunk of the tribal population lives below the poverty line. They are also devoid of basic education and health facilities. Thus, Maoists are easily able to persuade them by offering to take up monetary incentives and a better future.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><span id=\"What_are_the_challenges_posed_by_Left-wing_extremism_LWE_in_India\" style=\"color: #000000; text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a id=\"toc3\"><\/a>What are the challenges posed by Left-wing extremism (LWE) in India?<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Threat to Internal Security:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Left-wing extremism poses significant internal security threats to India, <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">leading to violent clashes<\/span> and <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">loss of lives<\/span> among security forces and civilians. <strong>For ex-<\/strong> <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Maoist rebels engaging in deadly attacks<\/span> on security forces <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">in remote areas like Dantewada<span style=\"color: #333333;\">.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Social and Economic Disruption:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0LWE in India disrupts social and economic development in affected regions, <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">hindering infrastructure and welfare projects<\/span>. <strong>For ex-<\/strong> <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Maoists targeting their roads<\/span>, <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">schools<\/span>, <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">and other vital infrastructure<\/span> to maintain control over their territories. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Forced Recruitment and Child Soldiers:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Maoist groups have been known to force vulnerable individuals, including children, to join their ranks, exploiting them for their cause. This practice\u00a0<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">violates human rights<\/span> and <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">disrupts the lives\u00a0of countless innocent people<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Extortion and Illegal Activities:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0LWE groups often engage in extortion and other illegal activities to fund their operations. <strong>For ex-<\/strong> Demands of &#8216;<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">protection money<\/span>&#8216; from local businesses, leading to economic stagnation in affected areas. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Undermines Credibility of Government:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> The survival of LWE shows a failure of governance thereby eroding the faith of masses in governance set up and impacting the unity of the nation. LWE affected regions struggle with governance issues and <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">weakened trust in democratic institutions<\/span>. This can undermine the overall stability of the country. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Human Rights Violations:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0LWE groups have been known to commit human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, abductions, and torture. These actions not only\u00a0<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">harm innocent civilians<\/span> but <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">also tarnish India\u2019s international reputation<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Alienation of Tribal Populations:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Maoist insurgents often exploit and <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">alienate tribal population<\/span> in their stronghold, creating a cycle of violence and mistrust between the communities and the government. This <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">makes it difficult to address the root causes of extremism<\/span> and <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">to foster long-term peace and stability<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><span id=\"What_are_the_various_government_policies_to_control_LWE_in_India\" style=\"color: #000000; text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a id=\"toc4\"><\/a>What are the various government policies to control Maoist insurgency in India? <\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Indian government has employed various approaches to control Left-wing extremism (LWE), <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">focusing on a combination of security<\/span>, <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">development<\/span>, and <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">political initiatives<\/span>. Some of these approaches include:\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span id=\"Security_Schemes_for_LWE\"><strong>Security Schemes &amp; Initiatives for LWE:<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000; background-color: #f5faac;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 24.4972%;\"><strong>National Policy and Action Plan to address Left Wing Extremism 2015<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 75.5028%;\">This <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">comprehensive action plan<\/span> aims to <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">enhance the capabilities of security forces<\/span> to combat LWE. This action plan<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"> ensures that the\u00a0rights and entitlements of local communities\u00a0are safeguarded<\/span> and\u00a0focuses on socio-economic development\u00a0in affected regions.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 24.4972%;\"><strong>SAMADHAN Doctrine<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 75.5028%;\">SAMADHAN Doctrine encompasses the <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">entire strategy of government from short-term policy to long-term policy<\/span> formulated at different levels.<br \/>\n<strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">SAMADHAN<\/span> <\/strong>stands for:<br \/>\n<strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">S<\/span><\/strong>&#8211; Smart Leadership, <strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">A<\/span><\/strong>&#8211; Aggressive Strategy, <strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">M<\/span><\/strong>&#8211; Motivation and Training, <strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">A<\/span><\/strong>&#8211; Actionable Intelligence, <strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">D<\/span><\/strong>&#8211; Dashboard Based KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and KRAs (Key Result Areas),<strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"> H<\/span><\/strong>&#8211; Harnessing Technology, <strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">A<\/span><\/strong>&#8211; Action plan for each Theatre, <strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">N<\/span><\/strong>&#8211; No access to Financing.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 24.4972%;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 75.5028%;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Under the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme, the <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Central Government\u00a0reimburses the Security Related Expenditure of 10 LWE affected States<\/span>.\u00a0These security related <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">expenditures are related to training and operational needs of security forces<\/span>, <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">ex-gratia payment<\/span> to the family of civilians\/security forces killed\/injured in LWE violence, <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">rehabilitation of surrendered<\/span> LWE cadres, <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">community policing<\/span>, <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">village defence committees<\/span> and <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">publicity materials<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 24.4972%;\"><strong>Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 75.5028%;\">Under this scheme, funds are being provided to States for strengthening the infrastructure related to Security. Under this scheme 250 fortified Police Stations are being constructed.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 24.4972%;\"><strong>Separate Vertical in NIA<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 75.5028%;\">The National Investigation Agency (NIA) established a dedicated anti-Naxal vertical that investigated\u00a0<strong>108 cases<\/strong>\u00a0and filed charge sheets in\u00a0<strong>87 cases<\/strong>, significantly weakening the Maoist organisational structure through accelerated prosecution.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 24.4972%;\"><strong>Bastariya Battalion<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 75.5028%;\">In 2018 the Central Government raised the Bastariya Battalion comprising <strong>1,143<\/strong>\u00a0recruits, including an initial\u00a0<strong>400 local<\/strong> youths from the worst-affected districts of Bijapur, Sukma and Dantewada in Chhattisgarh, turning former Naxal strongholds into sources of trained security personnel fighting the insurgency.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 24.4972%;\"><strong>Operation Black Forest<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 75.5028%;\">Operation Black Forest, which was launched in Narayanpur (Chhattisgarh), led to neutralisation of 27 dreaded Maoists, including the General Secretary of CPI-Maoist &amp; a topmost leader &#8211; who is also the backbone of Naxal movement. This is the first time in 3 decades of Bharat&#8217;s battle against Naxalism that a General Secretary-ranked leader has been neutralised by the Indian security forces.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><span id=\"Development_Schemes_for_LWE\">Development Schemes for LWE:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000; background-color: #ecf7a1;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 23.8293%;\"><strong>Road Connectivity Project for LWE affected areas (RCPLWE)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 76.1707%;\">The Government introduced this scheme in 2016 for <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">improving road connectivity in LWE affected States<\/span>. The roads included under the scheme have been identified by the Ministry of Home Affairs in consultation with the State Governments and the security agencies.<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><br \/>\nFrom May 2014 to August 2025, the Central Government has constructed\u00a0<strong>12,000 km of roads<\/strong> in LWE-affected regions, while projects for a total of <strong>17,589 km<\/strong> have been approved, ensuring all-weather connectivity and mobility in previously inaccessible areas<\/span>.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 23.8293%;\"><strong>LWE Mobile Tower Project<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 76.1707%;\">This project has been<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"> launched to\u00a0improve mobile connectivity\u00a0in the LWE affected areas<\/span>. The aim is to <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">improve the communication network<\/span> for better governance delivery.<br \/>\nUnder the Aspirational Districts and 4G Saturation schemes, 8,527 (4G) towers have been approved &#8211; with over 2500 towers now functional &#8211; dramatically improving communication and intelligence reach in core Naxal zones.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 23.8293%;\"><strong>Aspirational District Programme<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 76.1707%;\">The Ministry of Home Affairs has been<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"> tasked with the monitoring of Aspirational districts programme in 35 LWE affected districts<\/span>. Government has implemented various welfare and development schemes to\u00a0address the root causes of LWE, such as poverty, unemployment, and social inequality\u00a0in these aspirational districts.<span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span id=\"Socio-Political_Schemes_for_LWE\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>Socio-Political Schemes for LWE:<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000; background-color: #f2f5ab;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 23.1666%;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act, 1996<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 76.8334%;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Through this Act <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">government aims to\u00a0strengthen local governance\u00a0in LWE-affected areas<\/span> by promoting democratic participation and empowering local institutions.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 23.1666%;\"><strong>Civic Action Programme (CAP)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 76.8334%;\">This Scheme aims to <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">bridge the gaps between Security Forces and local people<\/span> through personal interaction and bring the human face of Security Forces before the local population. The<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"> CAPFs deployed in LWE affected areas are provided funds for conducting civic activities<\/span> for the welfare of the local people.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 23.1666%;\"><strong>Media Plan<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 76.8334%;\">Government is implementing this Scheme in LWE affected areas to counter the false propaganda of Maoists. Under this scheme activities like <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Tribal Youth Exchange programmes<\/span> are organised by NYKS along with radio jingles, documentaries and pamphlet distribution.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 23.1666%;\"><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\"><strong>Inter-State Coordination<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 76.8334%;\"><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">The government is promoting coordination among states affected by LWE to ensure a unified response. For ex- <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Regular meeting of Union Home minister with the CMs and DyCMs of all LWE states<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 23.1666%;\"><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\"><strong>Financial Inclusion<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 76.8334%;\"><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">The Central Government has ensured deep financial inclusion in LWE-affected districts by establishing 1,804 bank branches, 1,321 ATMs and 37,850 banking correspondents. It also opened 5,899 post offices across 90 districts with coverage at every 5 km, bringing banking, postal and remittance services directly to remote communities previously under Naxal influence.\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 23.1666%;\"><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\"><strong>Skill Development\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 76.8334%;\"><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">The Central Government has launched skill development initiatives in 48 LWE-affected districts by sanctioning <strong>48 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs)<\/strong> and approving\u00a0<strong>61<\/strong>\u00a0Skill Development Centres (SDCs). Of these,\u00a0<strong>46 ITIs &amp; 49 SDCs<\/strong> are already functional, providing vocational training and employment opportunities to local youth, thereby reducing Naxal recruitment and integrating remote communities into the mainstream economy.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 23.1666%;\"><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\"><strong><b>Surrender and Rehabilitation Policies<\/b><\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 76.8334%;\"><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">Government has introduced surrender and rehabilitation policies for LWE cadres willing to <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">renounce violence and join mainstream society<\/span>. These policies offer financial incentives, vocational training, and support for reintegration into society.\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p aria-level=\"2\"><strong>Other initiatives:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>A\u00a0<b>dedicated left-wing extremism division<\/b>\u00a0was established in 2006 under the Ministry of Home Affairs. It aimed to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/a-need-to-enhance-intelligence-system-in-combating-the-left-wing-extremism-lwe\/\">effectively address the LWE insurgency<\/a>\u00a0in a holistic manner.<\/li>\n<li><b>CPI (Maoist) Party is designated as a terrorist organization<\/b>\u00a0under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. This gives the forces greater power and autonomy to deal with Maoists.<\/li>\n<li>Over <strong>12,000 km<\/strong> roads, <strong>586 fortified police stations<\/strong>, <strong>361 new camps<\/strong>, <strong>8,500+ mobile towers<\/strong> operational, and <strong>\u20b992 crore assets<\/strong> seized have ended geographical and financial dominance of Maoists in core areas.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Naxal&#8217;s Financial Choking:<\/strong> The Central Government has effectively choked Naxal financing by forming a dedicated vertical in the NIA that seized assets worth over \u20b940 crore, while states seized more than \u20b940 crore and the Enforcement Directorate attached \u20b912 crore. Simultaneous action has inflicted severe moral and psychological damage on urban Naxals and tightened control over their information warfare networks.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<table style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; border-style: dotted; border-color: #000000; background-color: #fad2d2;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 100%;\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Areas Freed from Naxals after 3 decades (Success Stories)<\/span>:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Security forces, through decisive operations such as <strong>Octopus<\/strong>, <strong>Double Bull<\/strong> and <strong>Chakbandha<\/strong>, have liberated long-held Naxal bastions including Budha Pahad, Parasnath, Baramasia and Chakrabandha (Bihar) after three decades of Maoist control, established permanent camps deep inside remote jungles, and reached the hitherto impenetrable Abujhmad (Chhattisgarh) region.<\/li>\n<li>These sustained offensives forced the PLGA battalion to abandon its core area in Bijapur-Sukma and caused the complete failure of the Naxalites\u2019 2024 Tactical Counter Offensive Campaign (TCOC), marking the collapse of their strategic stronghold and operational dominance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><span id=\"What_are_issues_associated_with_government_measures_to_control_Left-wing_extremism_LWE\" style=\"color: #000000; text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a id=\"toc5\"><\/a>What had been the issues associated with government measures to control LWE?<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Human Rights Violations:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Security operations against Maoist insurgency have sometimes led to <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">human rights violations<\/span>, including <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">extrajudicial killings<\/span>, <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">arbitrary arrests<\/span>, and <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">harassment of civilians<\/span>. These actions can alienate local communities and create resentment against the government. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Inadequate Implementation of Development Schemes: <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Despite numerous welfare and development programs, their implementation in LWE-affected areas is often hampered by <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">corruption<\/span>, <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">bureaucratic inefficiencies<\/span>, and a <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">lack of coordination\u00a0between various agencies<\/span>. As a result, the intended benefits may not reach the affected communities.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Insufficient Capacity Building of Security Forces:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0The security forces sometimes lack specialized training, equipment, and intelligence support to effectively tackle Maoist insurgency. This sometimes leads to <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">operational failures<\/span> and<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"> increased casualties<\/span> among security personnel. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Reliance on Force:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Excessive focus on security operations overshadows the need for political engagement and dialogue with LWE groups. A\u00a0<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">purely militaristic approach could prolong the conflict<\/span>\u00a0and hinder efforts to find a peaceful resolution.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Incomplete Rehabilitation Programs:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> While surrender and rehabilitation policies exist, they are not effectively implemented. There are certain cases of\u00a0<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">inadequate support for reintegration<\/span> such as insufficient vocational training or financial assistance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Lack of Trust and Cooperation:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Mistrust between the government and affected communities\u00a0<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">hinders the implementation of development initiatives<\/span>\u00a0and security operations. Building trust is crucial for fostering cooperation and addressing the root causes of LWE.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Political Instability and Opportunism:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Political instability and opportunism undermines efforts to address LWE. Politicians often\u00a0<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">exploit the issue for electoral gains<\/span>. This further complicates the government\u2019s response to the problem.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<table style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; border-style: solid;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 100%;\">Read More- <a href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/tackling-the-maoists-on-left-wing-extremism\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tackling the Maoists: On left-wing extremism<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><span id=\"What_should_be_done_to_effectively_control_LWE_in_India\" style=\"color: #000000; text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a id=\"toc6\"><\/a>What should be done to completely eliminate the Left Wing Extremism in India?<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Focus on Development: <\/span><\/b>The <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">successful implementation of development projects<\/span> in <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Andhra Pradesh<\/span> and <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Telangana<\/span> reduced Maoist insurgency. Thus we must focus more on the effective implementation of development projects.<\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Strengthen Local Governance:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Empowering local governments to address grievances and deliver public services effectively, as seen in the<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">\u00a0Panchayati Raj system\u2019s success in reducing Naxalism in West Bengal<\/span>,\u00a0can help build trust between communities and authorities.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Enhance Security Forces\u2019 Capabilities:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Provide specialized training and better equipment to security personnel, similar to the\u00a0<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Greyhounds Force<\/strong> in Andhra Pradesh<\/span>, which proved effective in countering Maoist insurgency due to their specialized training and local knowledge. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Encourage Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Engage in meaningful dialogue with Maoist groups to address their grievances, similar to the\u00a0<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">peace talks between the Indian government and Naga insurgents<\/span>, which led to a ceasefire and reduced violence in the region.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Foster Community Engagement:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Involve local communities in decision-making processes and development projects, as seen in the success of the\u00a0<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Janmabhoomi Program<\/strong> in Andhra Pradesh<\/span>, where community participation helped build trust and reduce Maoist influence.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Ensure Accountability and Transparency: <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Strengthen measures to prevent corruption and human rights abuses, as demonstrated by the <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">National Human Rights Commission\u2019s interventions<\/span> in cases of alleged human rights violations by security forces, which can help restore public trust in government institutions.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Conclusion:<\/strong> Over the past eleven years, the Central Government\u2019s coordinated, multi-pronged strategy-combining calibrated security operations, unprecedented infrastructure push, financial choking, rapid development saturation and an attractive surrender policy has shrunk Left-Wing Extremism from 126 districts in 2014 to just 11 in 2025, with only three remaining\u00a0<strong>\u201cmost-affected\u201d.\u00a0<\/strong>While pockets of resistance remain and complete eradication demands sustained vigilance till the declared deadline of <strong>31 March 2026<\/strong>, the trajectory is unmistakable: the ideological and territorial backbone of the Naxal insurgency has been broken, paving the way for lasting peace and development in regions long deprived of both.<\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; border-style: solid;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 100%;\">Read More: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2203440&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">PIB<\/a><br \/>\nUPSC Syllabus- GS 3: Security Issues \u2013 Linkages between development and spread of extremism.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Reflecting the central government&#8217;s decisive defence strategy against Left Wing Extremism, significant progress has been made in reducing Naxal-affected regions across the country. With decisive interventions, the Naxal-most-affected districts have been brought down from 36 (2014) to only 3 (2025) and total LWE-affected districts from 126 to just 11 by 2025. The Government has adopted&hellip; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/naxalism-in-india-explained-pointwise\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Naxalism in India &#8211; Explained Pointwise<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10391,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[130],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-360723","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-7-pm","entry"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","views":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/360723","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10391"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=360723"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/360723\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=360723"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=360723"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=360723"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}