Significant Reduction in Left Wing Extremist Violence in India: Govt

Drastic Decline in LWE Incidents and Deaths, Asserts Home Affairs Minister

The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, reported a substantial decrease in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) related violence in India, attributing this success to the effective implementation of the National Policy and Action Plan.

DELHI -Nityanand Rai, the Minister of State for Home Affairs, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, outlined the significant progress made in combating Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India.

Since 2010, LWE-related violent incidents have decreased by 76%, with deaths (Security Forces + Civilians) reduced by 90%.

In 2022, 176 Police Stations across 45 districts reported LWE violence, a substantial drop from 465 Police Stations in 96 districts in 2010.

Notably, 72% of the total LWE violence in 2022 was concentrated in just 10 districts.

To address LWE effectively, the Government of India launched the National Policy and Action Plan in 2015, focusing on security measures, development interventions, and ensuring local community rights.

Since May 2014, 10,476 km of roads have been constructed in LWE-affected areas to enhance security and development.

The establishment of forward operating bases since 2019 in core LWE areas has significantly reduced the security vacuum.

Key LWE strongholds like Burha Pahad, tri-junction of Khunti-Saraikela Kahrsawan-West Sinhbhum, Kolhan forest area, Bheem Bandh, Chakarbandha, and the cutoff area of Malkangiri have seen marked security improvements.

Police and public order, under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, fall under state government jurisdiction, but the central government has been proactive in addressing LWE holistically.

Major contributors to improved security include new security force camps, road building in core LWE areas, fortified police stations, and enhancing state police forces’ capacity.

704 Fortified Police Stations have been sanctioned, with 603 constructed, and critical infrastructure gaps are being addressed through various schemes, including Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS) and Special Central Assistance (SCA).

Funds have been released under the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme for operational requirements of Security Forces from 2014-15 to 2022-23.