India’s Fight Against Left Wing Extremism Shows Progress
The Government of India (GoI) has reported significant progress in combating Left Wing Extremism (LWE) since the introduction of the ‘National Policy and Action Plan to address LWE’ in 2015. The policy, which employs a multi-faceted approach, has led to an 81% reduction in violence and an 85% decrease in fatalities from 2010 to 2024. Recent statistics reveal a continued decline in incidents and casualties, highlighting the effectiveness of government interventions.
Decline in Violence and Casualties
The implementation of the National Policy and Action Plan has yielded remarkable results in reducing LWE-related violence. In 2010, incidents of violence peaked at 1,936, but this number plummeted to 374 by 2024, marking an 81% decrease. Additionally, the total number of deaths, encompassing both civilians and security personnel, fell from 1,005 in 2010 to just 150 in 2024, representing an 85% reduction.
In the past six years alone, incidents of violence decreased from 501 in 2019 to 374 in 2024, a 25% drop. The number of deaths during this period also saw a decline, from 202 in 2019 to 150 in 2024, which is a 26% reduction. This downward trend underscores the effectiveness of the government’s comprehensive strategy to tackle LWE.
State-wise Analysis of LWE Violence
A detailed examination of LWE violence across various states reveals significant variations in incidents over the years. For instance, Chhattisgarh, which has historically been a hotspot for LWE activities, reported 182 incidents in 2019, peaking at 305 in 2023 before declining to 267 in 2024. Conversely, states like Kerala and West Bengal have reported minimal to no incidents of LWE violence during this timeframe.
The data indicates that states such as Andhra Pradesh and Bihar have also seen a reduction in violence, with Andhra Pradesh reporting only one incident in 2024 compared to 13 in 2019. This trend reflects the effectiveness of targeted interventions and the government’s commitment to restoring peace in affected regions.
Government Initiatives and Support
To bolster security measures, the Government of India has provided substantial support to states affected by LWE. This includes the deployment of Central Armed Police battalions, modernization of state police forces, and the construction of fortified police stations. The Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme has allocated approximately ₹3,260 crore for operational and training needs of security forces, as well as community policing initiatives.
Additionally, the Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS) has sanctioned ₹1,741 crore for enhancing intelligence capabilities and constructing fortified police stations. The government has also invested ₹1,120 crore in critical infrastructure for security camps in LWE-affected areas.
On the development front, the GoI has focused on improving road connectivity, telecommunications, and financial inclusion in LWE-affected states. Over 14,618 kilometers of roads have been constructed, and 7,768 telecom towers have been commissioned to enhance communication in remote areas. Furthermore, initiatives such as the establishment of Industrial Training Institutes and Eklavya Model Residential Schools aim to provide education and skill development opportunities for local communities.
Future Outlook and Continued Efforts
The government remains committed to addressing the LWE challenge through a combination of security measures and developmental initiatives. The number of districts affected by LWE has significantly decreased, from 126 in 2018 to just 38 by April 2024. This reduction reflects the ongoing efforts to dismantle the operational capabilities of LWE groups.
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