Left-Wing Extremism Shrinks to 18 Districts in India

Why in NEWS

Left Wing Extremism (LWE), once a major internal security threat, has contracted from the expansive Red Corridor to just 18 districts. This decline is attributed to targeted development initiatives, sustained security operations, leadership crises within Maoist ranks, and the erosion of grassroots support.

Key Terms / Concepts

Term	Explanation
Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)	Armed insurgency led by Maoist groups aiming to overthrow the state through violence.
Naxalbari Movement	Peasant uprising in 1967 in West Bengal, marking the beginning of LWE in India.
Red Corridor	Region spanning several central and eastern states once heavily affected by LWE activities.
Operation Black Forest	2025 security operation in Karreguttalu Hill that eliminated key Maoist operatives without casualties to security forces.
SAMADHAN Doctrine	Government’s multi-pronged strategy to counter LWE—Smart leadership, Aggressive strategy, Motivation & training, Actionable intelligence, Dashboard-based monitoring, Harnessing technology, Action plan, No access to financing.

Major Milestones in India’s Fight Against LWE

Aspect	Details
Incident Reduction	LWE incidents dropped by over 50% between 2004–14 and 2014–23.
National Goal	Eliminate Naxalism by March 2026.
Key Operations	2024 intelligence ops neutralized 290 Maoists; NIA and Special Intelligence Branches strengthened.
Landmark Success	Operation Black Forest (2025) eliminated top Maoist leaders with zero force casualties.
Territorial Decline	Spread reduced to just 18 districts from the extensive Red Corridor.

Additional Strategies to Strengthen India’s Response

Strategy	Details
Governance & Development	Ensure last-mile delivery, inclusive growth, and infrastructure to address socio-economic grievances.
Enhanced Security	Technology-enabled policing, coordinated intelligence, and area domination to sustain control.
Community Engagement	Trust-building, grievance redressal, and participatory governance to win public support.
Rehabilitation	Surrender-cum-rehabilitation schemes, skills, and livelihoods for former extremists.
Coordination	Joint task forces, unified command, and real-time Centre-State cooperation.

Related Keywords for Mains

Keyword	Meaning
Development Defeats Dissent	Infrastructure, livelihood, and welfare measures can weaken extremist influence.
Security with Sensitivity	Using force alongside respect for rights and culture.
Connectivity as Counter-Insurgency	Roads, telecom, and digital access integrate communities.
Education Ends Extremism	Schools and skills training prevent extremist recruitment.

In a nutshell

Memory Code: SAFE –
Security,
All-round development
Friendly governance
Education.

Prelims Practice Questions

1. The term “Red Corridor” in Indian context refers to
   a) Area under heavy Left-Wing Extremist influence
   b) International border security zone
   c) High-security government district
   d) Coastal trade corridor
2. Which of the following is NOT a component of the SAMADHAN doctrine?
   a) Smart leadership
   b) Aggressive strategy
   c) No access to financing
   d) Strategic Arms Modernisation
3. The Naxalbari movement is associated with which of the following?
   a) Telangana statehood demand
   b) Peasant uprising in West Bengal
   c) Farmers’ protest against WTO
   d) Partition of Bengal

Mains Practice Questions

1. The contraction of Left-Wing Extremism in India to a handful of districts is seen as a major success. Critically evaluate the factors behind this decline. 15 Marks
2. “Development is the most effective counter-insurgency strategy.” Discuss in the context of Left-Wing Extremism in India. 10 Marks

Prelims Answers & Explanations

Qn	Ans	Explanation
1	a	The Red Corridor refers to areas in central and eastern India heavily affected by LWE.
2	d	Strategic Arms Modernisation is not a part of the SAMADHAN doctrine.
3	b	The Naxalbari movement was a peasant uprising in 1967 in West Bengal, marking the start of the Maoist insurgency.