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UPSC MainsGeneral Studies Paper IIIInternal SecurityPractice question

Determinants and Counter-Strategy for Left-Wing Extremism

What are the sound determinants of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) 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 area?

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How to approach

Begin by providing context on the changing footprint of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in India with key data points. Then, outline the core determinants fueling LWE in eastern India across geographic, socio-economic, and governance dimensions. Conclude by articulating a targeted tripartite strategy for the Government of India, civil administration, and security forces.

Model answer

417 words

Introduction

Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in India has witnessed a historic decline, with violent incidents dropping by nearly 89% from 1,936 in 2010 to 222 in 2025. With districts shifting under the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme into 'Legacy and Thrust' categories, tackling the residual presence requires addressing the structural determinants that sustained the Red Corridor in Eastern India.

Sound Determinants of LWE in Eastern India

The persistence of LWE across eastern states such as Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, and adjoining forest belts is driven by an interplay of distinct factors:

  • Geographical Factors: Inaccessible, contiguous forest terrains such as the Dandakaranya region and the Chota Nagpur plateau, combined with interstate border tri-junctions, provide natural tactical hideouts and facilitate cross-border mobility.
  • Economic Deprivation and Resource Conflicts: Large-scale displacement caused by mining and industrial projects, pervasive rural underemployment, and pervasive extortion or illegal levy networks on contractors provide both grievances and continuous insurgent financing.
  • Socio-Governance Deficits: Historical marginalization of tribal communities over Jal, Jungle, Jameen (water, forest, land) and suboptimal implementation of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) and Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, as underlined by the Virginius Xaxa Committee.

Tripartite Counter-Strategy

To eliminate the remaining pockets of insurgency, a coordinated multi-stakeholder strategy is essential across three primary pillars:

  • 1. Government of India (GOI):
    • SAMADHAN Doctrine: Implement the Ministry of Home Affairs' SAMADHAN framework encompassing Smart leadership, Aggressive strategy, Motivation, Actionable intelligence, Dashboard KRAs, Harnessing technology, Action plan per theatre, and No access to financing.
    • Financial Choking: Utilize the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and PMLA to seize assets and dismantle extortion syndicates.
  • 2. Security Forces:
    • Specialised Tactical Operations: Deploy elite counter-insurgency units like CoBRA (CRPF) and Greyhounds, maintaining dominance via forward Company Operating Bases (COBs) in deep forest zones.
    • Operational Hardening: Upgrade rural security infrastructure into Fortified Police Stations (FPS) supported by technological enablers such as night-vision drones, secured satellite communication, and GIS mapping.
  • 3. Civil Administration:
    • Rights and Governance Delivery: Fast-track individual and community forest rights recognition under the FRA and empower Gram Sabhas under PESA to resolve alienation.
    • Infrastructure and Human Development: Expedite connectivity through the Road Requirement Plan-II (RRP-II), expand telecom towers, establish Eklavya Model Residential Schools, and conduct Civic Action Programs.
    • Rehabilitation Framework: Operationalize generous Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation policies to incentivize cadres to reintegrate into mainstream society.

Conclusion

A purely militaristic approach cannot eliminate ideological insurgency; combining tactical security dominance with genuine governance, tribal empowerment, and infrastructure integration is critical to completely ending Left-Wing Extremism in Eastern India.

Key facts to remember

definition
SAMADHAN Doctrine

An operational framework initiated by the Ministry of Home Affairs to counter LWE: Smart leadership, Aggressive strategy, Motivation and training, Actionable intelligence, Dashboard-based KRAs, Harnessing technology, Action plan for each theatre, and No access to financing.

statistic

Violent incidents related to Left-Wing Extremism in India fell by approximately 89%, reducing from 1,936 incidents in 2010 to 222 in 2025.

— Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
scheme
Road Requirement Plan-II (RRP-II)

A dedicated central infrastructure initiative aimed at constructing all-weather road connectivity in remote, heavily forested LWE-affected districts to facilitate administration and security access.

Frequently asked questions

What role does the Xaxa Committee report play in understanding LWE?

The High-Level Committee headed by Virginius Xaxa highlighted that the failure to protect tribal land rights, inadequate implementation of PESA and FRA, and forced displacement are fundamental structural causes of tribal alienation exploited by LWE.

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