Left Wing Extremism (LWE), originating from a 1967 peasant uprising in Naxalbari, West Bengal, is driven by Maoist ideology and aims to overthrow the state through armed struggle. The recent reduction in LWE-affected districts from 126 in 2018 to 18in 2025 demonstrates the effectiveness of a multi-dimensional strategy.

Current Status of LWE in India: 

The geographical spread and impact of LWE have significantly diminished. Key indicators of this decline include:

• Shrinking “Red Corridor”: The insurgency’s area of influence, once spanning a “Red Corridor” of nearly 180 districts in the late 2000s, had contracted to just 18 districts by 2025.
• Reduction in Violence: Incidents of LWE-related violence dropped by more than 50% between the 2004–2014 and 2014–2023 periods.
• Successful Security Operations: 2025 has seen a significant number of Maoist operatives neutralized. Security forces eliminated nearly 300 extremists in the first five months of the year, the fastest rate since 2009. 
  • Key operations like “Operation Kagar” and the killing of top leader Nambala Keshava Rao in May 2025 have severely weakened the insurgency’s leadership.
    

Arguments Supporting Military Strategy

1. Operation Green Hunt: Coordinated security operations have helped reclaim territories and establish state authority in affected regions.
2. Force Modernization: Enhanced capabilities of security forces through better equipment, training, and intelligence networks have improved operational effectiveness.
3. SAMADHAN Doctrine: The military component has been crucial in containing violence, with LWE incidents reducing by 81% from 1,936 in 2010 to 374 in 2024.
4. Area Domination: Strategic deployment of security forces has helped in protecting development projects and maintaining law and order.

Limitations of Military-Centric Approach

1. Root Cause Persistence: Military operations alone cannot address underlying socio-economic grievances like poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion.
2. Human Rights Concerns: Aggressive military actions may lead to civilian casualties and human rights violations, alienating local populations.
3. Trust Deficit: Over-reliance on force can widen the gap between administration and tribal communities.
4. Collateral Impact: Military operations can disrupt local economies and livelihoods, potentially creating new grievances.

Need for Holistic Strategy

1. Development Initiatives: Focus on infrastructure development, education, and healthcare facilities in affected regions. Eg: Integrated Action Plan (IAP), Eklavya Model Residential Schools, etc.
2. Social Integration: Implementation of Forest Rights Act and protection of tribal rights to address alienation.
3. Economic Empowerment: Skill development programs and employment generation through schemes like MGNREGA.
4. Public Participation: Involving local communities in development planning and implementation through Panchayati Raj Institutions.
5. Surrender and Rehabilitation: Comprehensive rehabilitation packages for surrendered militants to encourage others to join mainstream.

Conclusion

While an aggressive military strategy is necessary to establish security dominance and create space for governance, it is not a standalone solution. LWE is not merely a law-and-order problem but a socio-political and developmental challenge. A sustainable solution requires a two-pronged approach: firm security operations against armed cadres combined with inclusive development, social justice, and democratic participation.