Measures against Left wing extremism

Published on 01 Feb 2025

Government Measures to Address Left Wing Extremism

The Indian government has employed various approaches to control Left-wing extremism (LWE), focusing on a combination of security, development, and political initiatives.

• Security Measures

• Strengthening Legal Framework: It empowers security agencies to take preventive action against extremist activities, freeze assets, and prosecute individuals involved in supporting or funding LWE.

• Example: The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) has been amended to provide stronger legal measures to combat LWE.

• Better Surveillance: It includes better monitoring with standardization, deployment and integration of private security surveillance system.

• Example: Operation Green Hunt was started for massive deployment of security forces in the Naxal-affected areas.

• Strengthening Armed Forces: Ministry of Home Affairs is supporting the State Governments for capacity building and strengthening of security apparatus.

• Example: Deployment of CAPF Battalions, Indian Reserve/Specialized Indian Reserved Battalion etc. 

• Community Policing: It can foster trust and cooperation between law enforcement agencies and local communities to gather information and prevent radicalization.

• Example: Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme strengthens the capacity of the LWE affected States to fight against the LWE problem in an effective manner.

• Intelligence Sharing and Inter-Agency Cooperation: The coordination between security forces, intelligence agencies, and local police has led to significant achievements. 

• Example: Joint operations conducted by the Jharkhand Police and CRPF resulted in the neutralization of LWE leaders in the Palamu region.

• Institutional measures: Specialized units are known for their expertise in jungle warfare and have achieved significant successes in anti-LWE operations.

• Example: Black Panther Combat Force – a specialized force for Chhattisgarh on the lines of Greyhounds unit in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

• Developmental Measures

• National Policy and Action Plan: It focuses on security-related strategies, development interventions, and addressing the root causes of extremism.

• Example: The Indian government formulated the National Policy and Action Plan in 2015 to combat LWE comprehensively.

• Integrated Action Plan (IAP): Under the Integrated Action Plan, funds were allocated for the development of LWE-affected districts. 

• Example: Initiatives like Aspirational Districts Programme aims to rapidly transform the districts that have shown relatively lesser progress in key social areas.

• Skill Development: They have been introduced to enhance employability and create sustainable livelihood opportunities in affected regions.

• Example: ROSHNI is a special initiative launched in 2013 for training and placement of rural poor youth from LWE affected States.

• Rural Development Programs:The government has implemented various rural development programs to ensure employment opportunities, wage security, and asset creation in rural areas.

• Example: Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (PMAY) provide affordable housing, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana focuses on rural road connectivity.

• Infrastructure Development: This includes the construction of roads, bridges, telecom networks, and electrification projects to improve connectivity and promote economic growth.

• Example: Mobile Tower Project to improve mobile connectivity in the LWE areas.

• Education and Healthcare: The government has focused on improving access to quality education and healthcare facilities in left-wing extremism-affected areas.

• Example: Establishment of Eklavya Residential Model School in LWE-affected districts.

• Perception Management 

• Rehabilitation and Surrender Policy: It includes monetary incentives, skill training, and support for reintegration into society, enabling them to lead a normal life.

• Example: Like "Lon Varratu" (Come back home campaign) is a rehabilitation plan of the Chhattisgarh government.

• Smart Policing: Community policing improves interface with citizens and makes police more sensitive. 

• Example: Janamaithri Suraksha Padhathi - Kerala, Suraksha Setu – Safe City Surat Project

• Public Outreach and Engagement: These initiatives involve dialogues, community meetings, and awareness sessions to promote understanding, and debunk misconceptions about government policies and initiatives.

• Example: The Chhattisgarh government organized the Gram Suraj Abhiyan, a public outreach program, in LWE-affected regions.

• Media Engagement and Press Releases: Regular press releases, briefings, and media interactions help in shaping public perception, countering misinformation, and maintaining transparency in government actions.

• Cultural and Artistic Initiatives: Initiatives like street plays, music utilized to promote peace and unity, thereby counter extremist ideologies through positive expressions of social harmony.

• Example: "Astitva" Street Play in Odisha, performed in LWE-affected areas raise awareness about the negative impacts of violence and promote peace and development.

By adopting a comprehensive approach that prioritizes both development and security interventions, the issue of left-wing extremism (LWE) can be effectively addressed and resolved.

Role of Civil Society Organizations in Countering Left Wing Extremism in India

The role of civil society organizations (CSO) and local communities in countering radicalization and violent extremism is crucial for promoting internal security. Their engagement offers unique opportunities to address the root causes of radicalization, build resilience, and foster social cohesion.

• As Positive Role Models: Providing alternative narratives to counter extremist propaganda using various platforms, such as media, education, arts, sports, etc., to promote peace, tolerance, and diversity.

• Example: CSO can highlight the voices and stories of victims and survivors of violent extremism to create empathy and awareness.

• Conflict Resolution: They can also mobilize grassroots support for peacebuilding initiatives and conflict resolution mechanisms.

• Example: CSOs can promote social cohesion, tolerance, dialogue, and non-violence among diverse communities by facilitating interfaith and intercultural dialogues.

• Livelihood Opportunities: CSO collaborates with local communities and government agencies to initiate development projects and create sustainable livelihood opportunities.

• Example: They facilitate community-led initiatives in sectors like agriculture, forest-based livelihoods, and microfinance, providing alternatives to extremism.

• Rehabilitation and Reintegration: Providing psychosocial support, rehabilitation, and reintegration services to former extremists and their families.

• Example: Organizations like Janmabhoomi in Andhra Pradesh and Jeevan Jyoti in Bihar have been instrumental in rehabilitation of surrendered Maoists.

• Community Engagement and Awareness: CSOs can provide counselling, mentoring, education, vocational training, and more to help individuals renounce violence and reintegrate into society.

• Example: "Pathalgadi" movement of Jharkhand, has aimed to counter left-wing extremism by promoting local autonomy and awareness about constitutional rights.

Civil society and local communities are crucial in countering radicalization and violent extremism. Strengthening their engagement requires regular consultations, adequate funding, capacity building, protection, enabling legal and political environment, multi-stakeholder partnerships, and recognizing contributions.

Way Forward

• Governance related

• Ensure Accountability and Transparency: Strengthen measures to prevent corruption and human rights abuses by security forces, which can help restore public trust in government institutions.

• Example: Measures demonstrated by National Human Rights Commission in case of abuse.

• Strengthen Local Governance: Empowering local governments to address grievances and deliver public services effectively.

• Example: Panchayati Raj system’s success in reducing Naxalism in West Bengal, can help build trust between communities and authorities.  

• Political

• Encourage Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution: Engage in meaningful dialogue with Maoist groups to address their grievances and reduced violence in the region. 

• Example: Peace talks between the Indian government and Naga insurgents.

• Political Will: There should be policies and authorities to coordinate government schemes for development of these regions in a coherent manner. 

• Example: In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the government had created a Remote and Interior Area Development Authority.

• Developmental measures

• Focus on Development: The government should prioritize improving infrastructure, education, and healthcare in LWE-affected areas.

• Example: Successful implementation of development projects in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, which reduced Maoist influence.

• Foster Community Engagement: Involve local communities in decision-making processes and development projects.

• Example: Civic Action Programme (CAP) to bridge the gaps between Security Forces and local people through personal interaction.

• Social Integration: Communal harmony and tolerance can be fostered through dialogue, education, and cultural exchange. 

• Example: Tribal Youth Exchange Programmes, radio jingles, documentaries, pamphlets etc.

• Security

• Enhance Security Forces’ Capabilities: Provide specialized training and better equipment to security personnel.

• Example: Greyhounds Force in Andhra Pradesh, which proved effective in countering LWE due to their specialized training and local knowledge.  

• International Cooperation and Intelligence Sharing: Collaborating with neighboring countries and international partners to address cross-border challenges related to left-wing extremism.

• Example: India's collaboration with Nepal and Bhutan to address transnational left-wing extremist activities in the region.

• Tech Companies' Collaboration: Technology companies collaborate with governments to remove extremist content and prevent online radicalization.

• Example: Social media platforms implement algorithms and guidelines to detect and block extremist content.

Marginalization, land disputes, lack of development, limited participation, and weakened trust in institutions contribute to the fertile ground for LWE to thrive. It is crucial to address these issues comprehensively mitigate the growth of left-wing extremism and promote the welfare and rights of tribal communities. 

Global Practice to Counter Extremism 

• Government-Led Reconciliation Efforts in Nepal

• Following the Maoist insurgency in Nepal, the government initiated a reconciliation process to address grievances and bring former rebels into the political mainstream. 

• The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) signed in 2006 aimed to end the decade-long conflict and create an inclusive democratic system. 

• The peace process included the integration of Maoist combatants into the Nepalese Army and the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate human rights violations and promote reconciliation.

• Social Democratic Governance in Northern Europe

• Countries like Sweden and Denmark, known for their social democratic policies, have implemented comprehensive welfare systems and socio-economic development initiatives. 

• These countries prioritize education, healthcare, and social welfare, reducing socio-economic disparities and promoting social cohesion. 

• The social democratic approach has contributed to low levels of political violence and extremism in these countries.

• "Lakshar" programme

• The programme focuses on providing ex-Naxalites with support and opportunities for a new life away from violence.

• States like Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand have launched initiatives offering vocational training, education, and financial assistance to surrendered Naxalites.

Current state of Left-Wing Extremism

Left wing Extremism has been on a declining trend in India due to various efforts of the government to contain the same. With change in socio economic and political conditions, left wing extremism in India has also undergone some changes in its form.

• Reduction in violence: The left-wing extremists groups have reduced the use of violence as a means to attain their objectives.

• Example: As per Home ministry report, violence related to left wing extremism has come down by 76% in 2022 as compared to 2010

• Limited spread: The influence of the extremists groups has also reduced in the recent years thus shrinking the size of the red corridor.

• Example: The geographic spread of violence came down from 96 districts in 2010 to 46 districts in 2021.

• Increase in surrenders: Efficient tracking down by security forces and compensation drives by the government has induced many extremists to give up arms.

• Example: In 2020, more than 1000 Naxalites surrendered in Chhattisgarh.

• Rise of urban naxalism: The extremists groups have penetrated urban class in recent times who are better educated and have better social position than the Tribals. This makes countering extremism difficult.

• Example: While traditional LWE was concentrated along central and eastern India, urban naxalism penetrates metros like Mumbai and Delhi.

• Subtle form of extremism: Extremist groups have given up violence and spreading extremists ideas through social media and other digital platforms.

• Nature of protest: Present form of extremism focuses on less direct action. Even when they exhibit anti-establishment ideas, they are presented in a more democratic and acceptable manner.

Tags:
Security

Keywords:
Internal security Left wing extremism Naxalites Lakshar programme

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 3

Topics:
Internal Security