Context

India has achieved a major internal security milestone by becoming effectively free from Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), marking the transformation of the erstwhile Red Corridor into a region increasingly integrated with the national development process.

What is the Integrated Anti-LWE Strategy?

The strategy represents a comprehensive framework combining security operations, infrastructure development, and welfare interventions to address both the causes and consequences of Left-Wing Extremism.

Key Achievements at a Glance

I. VISHWAAS (Trust)

Strengthening Security Presence

• 597 fortified police stations established (up from 66 before 2014).
• 408 CAPF camps deployed across vulnerable regions.
• 68 night-landing helipads constructed for rapid mobility and medical evacuation.

Integrated Security Architecture

• CoBRA battalions integrated with state forces such as DRG and Greyhounds.
• Improved intelligence sharing and coordinated operations.

Technology-Driven Counterinsurgency

• Deployment of UAVs and satellite imagery.
• AI-based call-log tracking and mobile analytics.
• Real-time surveillance of extremist movements.

Targeted Operations

• Successful intelligence-led campaigns including Operation Double Bull and Operation Black Forest.

II. NIRMAN (Development)

Road Connectivity

• 12,249 km of all-weather roads completed in remote tribal regions.

Digital Inclusion

• 9,600+ mobile towers installed.
• 96% of previously disconnected villages brought under mobile connectivity.

Financial Inclusion

• 1,804 bank branches opened.
• 1,321 ATMs established.
• 74,720 banking correspondents deployed.
• 6,025 post offices strengthened.

Skill Development & Education

• 179 Eklavya Model Residential Schools established.
• 46 ITIs and 49 Skill Development Centres created.
• Over 90,000 youth and women trained.

III. JAN KALYAN (Public Welfare)

Rehabilitation of Surrendered Cadres

• Rehabilitation assistance up to ₹5 lakh.
• Monthly stipend of ₹10,000 for 36 months.
• Housing support under PMAY.

Breaking the Cycle of Violence

• Free education up to Class XII for children of surrendered cadres.

Focused Tribal Welfare

• Implementation of PM-JANMAN.
• Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan.
• Improved housing, infrastructure and drinking water facilities.

Case Study: Bastar's Transformation

• Creation of the Bastariya Battalion in 2017.
• 1,143 local tribal youth recruited from Bijapur, Sukma and Dantewada.
• Over 3,240 km of roads constructed.
• 889 mobile towers installed.
• Launch of Shaheed Veer Gunda Dhur Seva Dera initiative (2026).
• 70 former CAPF camps converted into civic service centres.

Challenges Ahead

• Ensuring long-term maintenance of roads and telecom infrastructure.
• Increasing participation in skill-development programmes.
• Preventing regrouping of extremist cadres in residual pockets.
• Protecting tribal land rights and natural resources.
• Addressing emerging socio-economic vulnerabilities.

Way Forward

• Replicate the camp-to-service-centre model across former LWE regions.
• Fast-track completion of remaining EMRS institutions.
• Promote tribal products through e-commerce platforms.
• Strengthen district-level sports and cultural initiatives.
• Institutionalise community participation in governance and development.

Conclusion

India's success against Left-Wing Extremism demonstrates the effectiveness of an integrated approach that combines security, development, and welfare. The long-term sustainability of these gains will depend on continued investment in tribal empowerment, infrastructure development, and inclusive governance to ensure that extremism does not re-emerge.