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Introduction:

Left Wing Extremism (LWE), also known as Naxalism or Maoist insurgency, has been a persistent threat to India’s security and developmental narrative. Particularly entrenched in the central and eastern regions, LWE not only disrupts socio-economic progression but also undermines democratic governance.

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However, sustained efforts by security forces and government initiatives have led to a significant decrease in LWE activities.

• In a landmark development, 2022 marked the first time in four decades that the number of deaths of civilians and security forces due to LWE violence was brought under 100.
• Specifically, there has been a 76% reduction in violent incidents related to Left Wing Extremism in 2022 in comparison to 2010.
• Furthermore, the number of civilian and security personnel who lost their lives in LWE incidents has dropped by 90% to 98 in 2022, compared to 1005 in 2010.
• The number of LWE-affected districts has also halved, down to 45 from 90.

Despite these significant strides, the issue continues to demand strategic and comprehensive efforts to completely eradicate the threat.

The measures taken by the Indian Government to counter these challenges:

• Security Measures:
  • SRE Scheme: The Security Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme supports states financially in their fight against LWE, thereby reinforcing their security infrastructure.
  • Modernisation of State Police Forces: The government has also been strengthening the police forces with modern weaponry, communication systems, and training to effectively combat LWE.
• Developmental Initiatives:
  • Integrated Action Plan (IAP): The government aims to mitigate socio-economic disparities exploited by extremists by accelerating development in LWE-affected regions through programs like the Integrated Action Plan.
  • Aspirational Districts Programme: This initiative targets historically underdeveloped districts, many of which are affected by LWE, with the goal of transforming them through multi-sectoral development.
• Political Approaches:
  • Enhancing Local Governance: By empowering Panchayati Raj institutions and ensuring their proper functioning, the government intends to increase local participation in governance, thus addressing political grievances often fuelled by LWE.
• Social Strategies:
  • Rehabilitation and Surrender Policies: These policies incentivize Naxals to surrender and reintegrate into mainstream society, focusing on a more humane approach towards combatants while ensuring the rule of law.

Conclusion:

The progress achieved in curbing LWE underscores the efficacy of India’s multifaceted strategy. Moving forward, there should be a persistent focus on strengthening local governance structures and ensuring inclusive growth, alongside security enhancements. Leveraging technology for development and security initiatives can further aid in achieving enduring peace in the affected regions.

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