Mains Practice Questions

Approach

• Start with the status of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in India.
• Mention factors behind its persistence.
• Touch current strategies addressing left-wing extremism.
• Propose strategic measures to combat LWE.
• Conclude with SAMADHAN Doctrine.

Introduction

Left-Wing Extremism, commonly known as the Naxalite movement, continues to be a significant internal security challenge for India. While there is a 53% decline in districts reporting Left-wing extremist violence From 2010 to 2022, it still persists in economically disadvantaged and tribal regions of central and eastern India.

Body

Factors Behind Persistence of Left-Wing Extremism:

• Socio-Economic Disparity: Endemic poverty and lack of basic amenities like healthcare and education create fertile ground for Maoist recruitment.
  • Also, social injustices and discrimination are often overlooked by development policies, as noted by the D Bandyopadhyay Committee.
  • These inequalities lead to movements that align Dalit and tribal grievances with leftist ideologies.
• Resource Dispossession and Unfulfilled Promises: Land alienation due to mining projects and infrastructure development often fuels LWE activities.
  • A recent example is the mining project in the ecologically sensitive Niyamgiri Hills of Odisha.
• Governance Gap and Weak Grievance Redressal Mechanisms: Weak state presence in remote areas allows Maoists to establish a parallel administration and exploit the lack of trust in government institutions.
  • For instance, in the recent incident of a Maoist attack on a CRPF patrol in Chhattisgarh, the remoteness of the area and limited security presence were cited as contributing factors.
• Cross-Border Infiltration and Support Networks: LWE groups operating in India sometimes receive support and safe havens across porous borders with neighbouring countries.
  • The arrest of a top Maoist leader in Nepal, allegedly involved in activities in India, highlights this issue.

Current Strategies Addressing Left-Wing Extremism:

• Inclusive Growth and Empowerment: Schemes like Forest Rights, PESA, and MNREGA empower marginalized communities, addressing root causes and reducing susceptibility to LWE.
• Infrastructure and Connectivity: Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana is improving access to markets and services, reducing isolation in remote regions and undermining extremism.
• Education and Skilling: Programs like Eklavya Model Schools and Skill India Mission offer alternatives, reducing support for extremist ideologies.
• Tribal and Rural Development Models: Initiatives like Jharkhand Alternative Development Initiative, Kerala Kudumbashree Programme, and Andhra Pradesh Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty demonstrate effective strategies to counter LWE through development.

Strategic Measures to Combat LWE:

• Tech-Powered Intelligence: Employing advanced technologies and data analytics to monitor and track Naxalite movements, gather intelligence, and plan targeted operations.
  • Additionally, leveraging social media and digital platforms for counter-narrative campaigns can help counter Naxalite propaganda and ideological indoctrination.
• Fast-Track Development Corporations: Establish dedicated development corporations or authorities for LWE-affected regions, with a mandate to fast-track infrastructure projects, promote entrepreneurship, and create employment opportunities.
  • These corporations could have special powers and resources to ensure rapid and effective implementation of development initiatives.
• Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Hubs: Establish skill development and entrepreneurship hubs in Naxal-affected areas, providing vocational training, business incubation support, and access to markets.
  • This can empower the youth, create alternative livelihood opportunities, and reduce the appeal of Naxalite ideology.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage public-private partnerships (PPPs) in affected regions, leveraging the resources and expertise of the private sector to drive development, infrastructure projects, and job creation.
  • This can also promote corporate social responsibility initiatives in these areas.
• Psychological Operations: Integrate psychological operations (PsyOps) into counterinsurgency strategies, using targeted messaging, propaganda, and influencing tactics to undermine Naxalite ideology, disrupt recruitment efforts, and encourage surrenders.
• Regional Cooperation: Enhancing regional cooperation with neighboring countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar, where Naxalites may seek safe havens or transit routes. Coordinated intelligence sharing, joint operations, and border management can help disrupt their activities.

Conclusion

SAMADHAN doctrine aligned with the National Policy and Action Plan to address LWE holds the key to effectively countering the persistent threat of LWE and fostering lasting peace and development in vulnerable regions.