DIRECT ANSWER: India's LWE strategy focuses on a twin approach of kinetic elimination of hardline Maoist cadres and comprehensive rehabilitation of surrendering militants, exemplified by the Odisha Model. Recent successes highlight the effectiveness of sustained development penetration coupled with intelligence-led security operations, leading to significant geographic contraction of Maoist influence in the critical tri-junction corridor.
Why in News?
Recent successful anti-Maoist operations in Odisha, resulting in the neutralization of key cadres or major seizures, signify the increasing efficacy of state-specific strategies against Left Wing Extremism (LWE). This success highlights the policy shift towards aggressive area domination and incentivized surrender schemes in previously inaccessible regions.
What is the Concept / Issue?
The current national policy towards LWE, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, operates on a multi-pronged approach often summarized as 'Elimination and Rehabilitation.' Elimination involves targeted kinetic operations, technological surveillance, and sealing supply lines (financing and arms). Rehabilitation involves incentivizing Maoist cadres to return to the mainstream through surrender packages, vocational training, and social reintegration programs, recognizing that the conflict requires both security and governance solutions.
Why is this Issue Important?
- Strategic: LWE threatens the territorial integrity and internal stability of the Indian State, often exploiting governance vacuums and tribal alienation to sustain a protracted armed insurgency.
- Economic: Maoist presence severely hampers infrastructure projects (roads, railways, mining) in resource-rich but underdeveloped areas, leading to significant economic losses and hindering equitable regional development.
- Geopolitical/Social: Successful LWE containment is crucial for upholding the democratic framework, ensuring the protection of vulnerable tribal populations, and preventing cross-border ideological linkages or arms trafficking.
Key Sectors / Dimensions Involved
- Dimension 1: Security and Intelligence: Deployment of specialized paramilitary forces (CRPF, CoBRA) and state specialized units (SOG, Greyhounds), focusing on intelligence-based operations, technology integration, and fortified Forward Operating Bases (FOBs).
- Dimension 2: Developmental Penetration (Odisha Model): Rapid construction of roads, bridges, and communication networks (like mobile towers) in core Maoist strongholds, coupled with targeted implementation of PESA (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas) and Forest Rights Act (FRA).
- Dimension 3: Governance and Policy (Elimination/Rehabilitation): Strict enforcement of surrender and rehabilitation policies (with financial incentives), proactive measures against illegal financing, and addressing the root causes of alienation through improved public service delivery.
What are the Challenges?
- Balancing Security and Development: Ensuring that increased kinetic operations do not exacerbate civil rights concerns or further alienate tribal populations, thus undermining developmental efforts.
- Inter-State Coordination Deficit: Lack of seamless intelligence sharing and coordinated operations across porous borders, particularly the Chhattisgarh-Odisha-Andhra Pradesh tri-junction, allowing Maoist central committees mobility.
- Ethical and Legal Scrutiny: Maintaining transparency and accountability in conflict zones, particularly regarding encounter deaths, to prevent erosion of judicial and human rights standards.
UPSC Relevance
Prelims Focus:
- Geographic contraction of LWE districts (comparison of MHA security reports).
- Specialized anti-Naxal units (CoBRA, SOG, Greyhounds) and their deployment mandate.
- Key Government Schemes aimed at tribal development (FRA, PESA, Eklavya Schools).
Mains Angle:
GS Paper III – Internal Security: Linkages between development and spread of extremism; challenges to internal security through communication networks; role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges.
How UPSC May Ask This Topic:
Critically analyze the efficacy of India's twin strategy of 'Elimination and Rehabilitation' in containing Left Wing Extremism (LWE). Discuss how models like Odisha's attempt to bridge the governance gap while enhancing security preparedness. (15 Marks, 250 Words)
What is the Way Forward?
- Enhanced Institutional Accountability: Strengthening the mechanisms for oversight regarding encounter deaths and allegations of human rights violations to maintain the rule of law and public trust in conflict zones.
- Integrated Technology Strategy: Utilizing advanced surveillance (drones, satellite imagery) and data analytics to preempt Maoist movements and dismantle their communication and financing infrastructure, focusing on cyber security aspects.
- Community-Driven Development: Shifting the locus of implementation of welfare schemes to local governance bodies (Gram Sabhas) mandated under PESA, ensuring benefits reach the intended beneficiaries and neutralizing the Maoist narrative of state exploitation.