Fighting Maoism with Mobile Towers

Left Wing Extremism (LWE)

1. What is LWE?
   1. LWE, also called Naxalism, is a violent movement inspired by Maoist ideology.
   2. It aims to overthrow the Indian government through armed struggle and set up its own rule.
   3. It mainly operates in tribal and remote regions, especially in the Red Corridor (parts of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, etc.).
   4. LWE groups attack police, destroy roads, schools, and mobile towers, and run parallel systems in villages.
2. Causes
   1. Poverty and Inequality
      1. A majority of LWE-affected areas are tribal-dominated and fall under the Aspirational Districts Programme due to poor socio-economic indicators.
      2. NITI Aayog data shows that districts like Dantewada, Bijapur, and Malkangiri score low in health, education, and income indices.
   2. Lack of Development
      1. Poor road and telecom connectivity prevent the delivery of welfare schemes.
      2. Schools and health centres are either non-functional or regularly targeted by Maoists.
   3. Exploitation and Alienation
      1. Historical displacement of tribals from forests without proper compensation.
      2. Delay in implementation of the Forest Rights Act (2006) leads to alienation.
   4. Weak Local Governance and Justice
      1. Insufficient presence of local administration due to fear of Maoist attacks.
      2. Delays in resolving land disputes, ration card issues, and pension delivery breed resentment.
   5. Exploitation by LWE Groups
      1. Maoist cadres fill the governance vacuum by delivering quick "justice" through Jan Adalats.
      2. They propagate anti-government sentiments by exploiting local discontent.
3. Impacts
   1. Blocked Development
      1. Infrastructure projects are delayed or sabotaged (e.g., mobile towers, roads).
      2. Limited access to education and health worsens human development.
   2. High Loss of Lives
      1. Both civilians and security forces suffer fatalities in Maoist ambushes and IED attacks.
      2. Teachers, contractors, and health workers are frequently targeted.
   3. Fear and Displacement
      1. Constant violence forces villagers to flee and live in camps or towns.
      2. Migration disrupts education, farming, and community life.
   4. Government Schemes Fail to Reach
      1. DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer), PDS (ration), and healthcare schemes don't reach remote areas.
      2. Lack of telecom network and banking services makes Aadhaar-seeding and delivery difficult.
   5. Economic Loss and Extortion
      1. Maoists extort money from contractors, traders, and even government employees.
      2. Destroyed assets like school buildings, mobile towers, and roads hamper local economies.
4. Government Initiatives to Fight LWE
   1. Security Measures
      1. Special Forces and CRPF deployed in affected areas.
      2. Fortified Police Stations and new security camps set up.
      3. Use of drones, surveillance, and joint task forces.
   2. Development Push
      1. Roads built under RCP LWE and RRP-I (17,000+ km sanctioned).
      2. Mobile connectivity through 10,000+ planned towers.
      3. New schools, skill centres, and ITIs opened.
   3. Financial and Social Inclusion
      1. 1,000+ new bank branches, 5,700+ post offices, and 37,000+ banking agents.
      2. Skill training, tribal youth recruitment into police/security.
      3. Civic Action and Media campaigns to counter Maoist propaganda.
   4. Policy Backing
      1. National Policy and Action Plan (2015): Combines security, development, and tribal welfare.
      2. Special Central Assistance (SCA): ₹30 crore per year for worst-affected districts.
5. What more can be done?
   1. Build more roads and helipads
   2. Use solar towers, satellites, and better security
   3. Expand skill training and create local jobs
   4. Build trust through community policing and development
   5. Strengthen education and awareness programs

Challenge

Way Forward

Terrain and Infrastructure: Dense forests, lack of roads hinder tower installation

Use of satellite-based or solar-powered mobile towers

Security Threats: Maoists sabotage or destroy towers, attack personnel

Increase deployment around towers; tech-based surveillance

Lack of Skilled Manpower: Difficult to find technicians willing to work in remote, dangerous areas

Train local youth for maintenance roles

Sabotage and Vandalism: Past towers have been deliberately damaged

Community involvement to protect assets

Network Reliability: Connectivity still patchy in many areas

Use hybrid models (fiber + satellite + wireless) for resilience

Ensure IAS Mains Question

Q. "Development is the most effective counter-insurgency strategy." In the context of Left-Wing Extremism in India, critically examine how infrastructure development—particularly digital and mobile connectivity—influences security and governance outcomes. (10 marks)

Ensure IAS Prelims Question

Q. With reference to recent developments in Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected districts, consider the following statements:

1. Bijapur district is part of the Bastar region and is considered one of the worst-affected by Maoist violence.
2. Between January 2024 and June 2025, more than 100 mobile towers were installed in Bijapur.
3. Increased mobile connectivity in LWE areas supports digital governance, financial inclusion, and surveillance.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: c

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Bijapur is one of the seven districts in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh and is widely recognised as one of the worst-affected areas by Maoist (LWE) violence. It has seen some of the highest numbers of encounters and arrests in recent years.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Between January 2024 and June 2025, only 48 mobile towers were installed in Bijapur. This is a significant increase from previous years but does not exceed 100 as claimed in the statement.

Statement 3 is correct: Increased mobile connectivity in LWE areas like Bijapur has enabled better communication for security forces, improved access to government schemes via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), and helped bridge governance gaps through digital services like banking, education, and emergency response.