Q. The Government of India recently stated that Left Wing Extremism (LWE) will be eliminated by 2026. What do you understand by LWE and how are the people affected by it? What measures have been taken by the government to eliminate LWE?

Model Answer:

Left Wing Extremism (LWE) is an armed Maoist insurgency seeking to overthrow the state. The MHA targets its complete elimination by 2026.

1. Meaning and Impact of LWE on People

• Ideology: A radical movement leveraging tribal and socio-economic grievances to wage war against the democratic state.
• Violence & Fear: Civilians face rampant extortion, brutal kangaroo courts (Jan Adalats), and crossfire casualties.
• Forced Displacement: Triggers mass internal migration and forced recruitment of vulnerable minors (Bal Sangham).
• Developmental Vacuum: The systematic destruction of schools, hospitals, and roads isolates communities from basic socio-economic rights.

2. Government Measures to Eliminate LWE

• Strategic Framework: Enforcing the National Policy and Action Plan (2015), which integrates security interventions with robust development.
• Security Operations: Conducting intelligence-led kinetic strikes (Operation Prahaar) driven by the overarching SAMADHAN doctrine.
• Infrastructure Push: Enhancing physical and digital connectivity in core zones (Road Connectivity Project for LWE areas, Mobile Tower Project).
• Socio-Economic Mainstreaming: Boosting tribal education, health, and livelihoods (Aspirational Districts Programme, Eklavya Model Residential Schools).
• Rehabilitation: Implementing state-specific surrender schemes offering financial stipends and vocational training to former cadres.

Eradicating LWE by 2026 demands sustaining this twin-track approach of targeted security operations and grassroots inclusive development, securing lasting peace across the Red Corridor.