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UPSC MainsGeneral Studies Paper IIIInternal SecurityPractice question

Strategies to Win Over LWE-Affected Citizens

Discuss the collective strategies needed to win the Left Wing Extremist (LWE) doctrine affected citizens.

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How to approach

Introduce the challenge of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) by highlighting how it exploits tribal alienation and governance deficits, complemented by recent data on its declining footprint. In the body, delineate collective strategies across security, financial, institutional, and developmental spheres using the SAMADHAN framework. Conclude by emphasizing the transition from security containment to sustainable development, referencing the target to eliminate LWE.

Model answer

296 words

Introduction

Left Wing Extremism (LWE) exploits perceived development deficits, geographical isolation, and tribal alienation. A multi-pronged, 'whole-of-government' approach has significantly constrained this challenge, reducing LWE-affected districts from 126 to 38 and bringing violent incidents down by over 81% since 2010, according to Ministry of Home Affairs data.

1. Security and Financial Chokehold (SAMADHAN Doctrine)

A coordinated security environment is essential to establish state authority and build trust among local communities:

  • Operational Synergy: Conducting intelligence-led operations by Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), such as Operation Octopus by CRPF and CoBRA, to reclaim Maoist strongholds without alienating civilians.
  • Choking Terror Financing: Utilizing the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) provisions to dismantle extortion syndicates, illicit contractor levies, and illegal mining rackets.
  • Surrender and Rehabilitation: Providing structured surrender policies backed by the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme to facilitate the peaceful reintegration of former cadres into mainstream socioeconomic life.

2. Institutional and Developmental Integration

Winning over the local population necessitates addressing historic grievances over resources and livelihood opportunities:

  • Securing Jal, Jangal, Jameen: Rigorous ground-level implementation of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), 1996 and the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 to restore tribal land rights, neutralizing the Maoist ideological appeal.
  • Targeted Infrastructure: Bridging connectivity gaps through dedicated interventions such as the Road Requirement Plan (RRP-II) and Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) mobile tower projects to overcome physical and digital isolation.
  • Youth and Community Engagement: Expanding access to quality education via Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) and implementing targeted vocational programs like 'Skill Development in 47 LWE Districts' to prevent youth radicalization.

Conclusion

Realizing the national objective to eliminate LWE necessitates sustaining this calibrated approach of targeted security containment alongside grassroots developmental empowerment, ultimately transforming the Red Corridor into a peaceful and prosperous growth corridor.

Key facts to remember

statistic

The number of LWE-affected districts in India has declined significantly from 126 to 38, with a corresponding 81% decline in violent incidents since 2010.

— Ministry of Home Affairs (2024)
scheme
SAMADHAN Doctrine

A comprehensive multi-pronged operational framework launched by the MHA encompassing Smart leadership, Aggressive strategy, Motivation, Actionable intelligence, Dashboard-based monitoring, Harnessing technology, Action plan for each theatre, and No access to financing.

example
Operation Octopus

A coordinated joint operation led by the CRPF and CoBRA battalions to clear heavily fortified Maoist positions in the core forested areas of Jharkhand, restoring state presence.

Frequently asked questions

Why is the implementation of PESA and FRA vital in combating LWE?

Maoist ideology derives local support by exploiting grievances over land alienation and resource exploitation. Strict implementation of the PESA Act, 1996 and Forest Rights Act, 2006 guarantees tribal rights over traditional forest resources, eliminating the core grievance exploited by extremists.

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