The Government of India recently stated that Left Wing Extremism (LWE) will be eliminated by 2026. What do you understand by LWE and how are the people affected by it? What measures have been taken by the government to eliminate LWE? (Answer in 150 words)

Introduction

LWE is a Maoist revolutionary movement seeking state power through armed struggle, operating mainly in forested and tribal regions.

Impact on people

• Deaths, extortion, displacement and disruption of schools, health services, roads and markets.
• Recruitment and coercion affect tribal youth, while fear limits democratic participation and livelihoods.
• Violence and counter-violence can deepen distrust and rights concerns.

Government measures

• Unified security operations, intelligence sharing, CAPF deployment, fortified police stations and road-opening capacity.
• Roads, mobile towers, banking, telecom, education, health and skill programmes under affected-area initiatives.
• Security Related Expenditure, surrender and rehabilitation policies, and improved state-police capability.
• Good governance, lawful policing, Gram Sabha participation and protection of forest rights are essential to durable peace.

Keywords: Maoism, governance deficit, SAMADHAN, security-development, tribal rights.