Answer:

Introduction:

Left Wing Extremism (LWE), commonly known as Naxalism, has been a significant security challenge for India. Over the years, while its intensity has seen a decline, it still affects various parts of the nation. The Government of India has taken comprehensive measures to tackle the challenges posed by LWE.

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Recent Trends:

• Union Home Minister has highlighted that 2022 observed the lowest number of violent incidents and deaths related to LWE in the past four decades. 
• The overall violent occurrences in Naxal-affected regions reduced by 76% in 2022 compared to the peak in 2010. 
• Deaths of security forces and civilians due to LWE violence also saw a substantial drop by 90% in 2022 as compared to 2010.

Government’s Approach:

• National Policy and Action Plan (2015):
  • The central government approved this policy aiming to address LWE comprehensively.
  • The policy adopts a multi-pronged strategy which includes:
    • Security-Related Measures: Strengthening security operations against LWE groups and safeguarding the LWE-affected areas.
    • Development Interventions: Addressing the root causes of extremism by promoting infrastructural and socio-economic development in affected regions.
    • Ensuring Rights & Entitlements: Protecting the rights of local communities, ensuring they benefit from development projects, and addressing any grievances they might have.
  • The steadfast execution of this policy has contributed to the consistent decline in LWE-related violence across India.
• Collaborative Efforts:
  • The involvement of multiple state governments demonstrates a collaborative effort to tackle the LWE problem. 
  • Meetings and reviews with chief ministers and officials of affected states like Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh indicate cooperative federalism in action.
• Data Insights:
  • As per the Ministry of Home Affairs data, between 2004 and 2014, there were 17,679 LWE-related incidents resulting in 6,984 deaths. 
  • However, between 2014 to mid-2023, the numbers significantly reduced to 7,649 incidents with 2,020 deaths, indicating the effectiveness of the measures undertaken.

Conclusion:

While the strides made in reducing the impact of LWE are commendable, it’s essential to maintain a persistent and holistic approach. Addressing the underlying causes, promoting development, ensuring community rights, and robust security measures are all crucial facets in eradicating the challenges posed by LWE in India. The Government’s commitment, as echoed by the Home Minister’s aspiration to completely eliminate LWE in the next two years, reinforces the determined approach to ensure India’s internal security and development.

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