Left Wing Extremism Elimination Target and Internal Security Strategy
Source:The Hindu ↗
Why It Matters
Directly addresses the GS3 syllabus topics on the spread of extremism and the mandate of various security forces. The significant reduction in LWE violence and the multi-theatre deployment of CRPF (J&K, Central India, North-East) are prime case studies for internal security answers.
Summary
Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced during the 87th Raising Day parade of the CRPF that Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) will be completely eradicated from India by March 31. Highlighting a massive 88% decline in Maoist violence since 2010, he lauded the CRPF and its specialized CoBRA battalions for containing the threat. Shah also underscored the broader internal security mandate of the CRPF, praising its deployment to maintain peace in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 and to control ethnic violence in Manipur.
Key Points
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) and Maoism will be completely eliminated from India by March 31.
- The government noted an 88% reduction in LWE violence since 2010, with 7,400 Maoist arrests made since 2019.
- The CRPF and its CoBRA battalions were highly credited for this success, as well as for their role in stabilizing Jammu & Kashmir post-Article 370 and curbing ethnic violence in Manipur.
- Historic border defense actions by the CRPF against Chinese troops in Ladakh (1959) and Kutch (1965) serve as the foundation for observing Police Commemoration Day and Shaurya Diwas.
Important Terms
Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)
A radical leftist ideology seeking to overthrow the government through armed struggle; commonly referred to as Naxalism in India and Maoism globally.
UPSC context
GS III: Internal Security; tests understanding of home-grown insurgencies and extremist-development linkages.
Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
India's largest Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, primarily mandated with internal security, counter-insurgency, and maintaining law and order.
UPSC context
GS III: Various Security Forces and Agencies; tests knowledge of the mandate and roles of internal security bodies.
CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action)
A specialized unit of the CRPF trained in guerrilla tactics and jungle warfare to combat Naxalite insurgents in rugged terrains.
UPSC context
GS III: Internal Security; tests specialized counter-insurgency strategies used in LWE-affected areas.
Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF)
A group of seven security forces (including CRPF, BSF, CISF) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, responsible for border guarding and internal security.
UPSC context
GS III: Security Forces; tests the classification and specific functional jurisdictions of India's paramilitary apparatus.
Article 370
A constitutional provision (abrogated in 2019) that granted special autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir; its removal aimed at full national integration.
UPSC context
GS II: Constitution; GS III: Internal Security; tests constitutional changes and their impact on regional security.
Border Security Force (BSF)
A CAPF primarily responsible for guarding India's land borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh, often called the 'First Line of Defence.'
UPSC context
GS III: Security Challenges and their Management in Border Areas; tests understanding of border vs. internal security roles.
Prelims Trap
Police Commemoration Day honors Indian Army or ITBP martyrs from the 1959 border clash in Ladakh.
The October 21 observance actually honors 10 CRPF personnel martyred at Hot Springs, Ladakh. ITBP was only formed later, post the 1962 war.
Static Concepts Connected
Which specialized central and state forces counter Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)?
- CoBRA: An elite jungle-warfare unit of the CRPF raised in 2008 explicitly for asymmetrical, intelligence-based anti-Naxal operations.
- Greyhounds: A highly successful special police force of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, renowned for its guerrilla and jungle warfare tactics against Maoists.
- Black Panther: Chhattisgarh's specialized state-level anti-Naxal combat force, modeled extensively after the Greyhounds.
What is the overarching multi-pronged strategy to combat LWE in India?
- SAMADHAN Doctrine: An umbrella strategy encompassing Smart leadership, Aggressive strategy, Motivation, Actionable intel, Dashboard-based KPIs, Harnessing tech, Action plan, and No access to funding.
- Development Interventions: Focus on bridging infrastructure and governance deficits through initiatives like the Aspirational Districts Programme and the Road Requirement Plan (RRP-I).
- Rehabilitation Policy: Implementation of the Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation policy to mainstream surrendered Maoist cadres into society.
Cross-Topic Patterns
CAPF Evolution & Border Management
CRPF historically defended borders (Ladakh 1959, Kutch 1965) before specialized border-guarding forces like ITBP (1962) and BSF (1965) were established to secure international boundaries.
LWE Decline + Tribal Governance
The 88% drop in Maoist violence correlates strongly with security interventions paired with better tribal governance, including the deeper implementation of the Forest Rights Act and PESA in Central India.
Expect a 2026 Prelims multi-statement question mixing CRPF's pre-1962 border defense history with the mandate of its CoBRA battalions.
Linked PYQs · 3
Linked PYQs · 3
- 2022MainsGS3
Naxalism is a social, economic and developmental issue manifesting as a violent internal security threat. In this context, discuss the emerging issues and suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of Naxalism.
- 2018MainsGS3
Left Wing Extremism (LWE) is showing a downward trend, but still affects many parts of the country. Briefly explain the Government of India's approach to counter the challenges posed by LWE.
- 2025MainsGS3
What are the major challenges to internal security and peace process in the North-Eastern States? Map the various peace accords and agreements initiated by the government in the past decade.
