Year-End Review: Significant Drop in LWE Activities in 2024 as India Aims for Total Eradication by 2026
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New Delhi, Dec 29 (NationPress) The year 2024 has experienced a notable reduction in Maoist activities, as the Central government has set a target to eradicate Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) by March 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly instructed officials and agencies tasked with addressing this issue to hasten their efforts. The Prime Minister aims for LWE to be completely eradicated within the next 15 months.
In October of this year, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated the government's pledge to eliminate LWE by 2026. As the year comes to a close, the combination of enhanced security operations, improved infrastructure, and proactive social initiatives indicates that the end of LWE is in sight for India.
Despite ongoing challenges in areas such as Bastar (Chhattisgarh) and the persistent presence of key leaders, security forces, supported by the government, are diligently working to eradicate the LWE threat.
Intelligence reports estimate that around 3,000 Maoists remain active, mainly in Chhattisgarh. However, the influence of LWE across the nation is steadily diminishing.
This year, security forces achieved significant successes in dismantling Maoist strongholds in Chhattisgarh. Areas like Abujmarh, once heavily dominated by LWE, are now witnessing many families returning to their homes after fleeing due to Maoist threats.
Numerous security force camps have been established in these regions, boosting local confidence. In a major operation, the Border Security Force (BSF) eliminated 29 Maoists, including prominent leader Shankar Rao, in April. Another significant operation in October led to the death of 31 Maoists, with no casualties among security personnel.
The government's initiatives to combat Maoist violence have yielded impressive outcomes.
The number of LWE-affected districts has dropped drastically from 126 in 2018 to just 38 in 2024.
Violence associated with LWE has decreased by 73 percent since 2010, with a remarkable 86 percent decline in fatalities.
The reduction in LWE-related incidents continued in 2024, showing a 25 percent decline from the previous year.
The government allocated Rs 4,350 crore from 2019 to 2024 to bolster security and infrastructure in LWE-affected regions.
This financial support has facilitated the construction of 14,469 km of roads, the installation of 6,567 telecom towers, and the establishment of 1,007 bank branches in the impacted districts.
Furthermore, 46 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and 178 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) have been established to provide quality education and skill development for tribal youth, aiding in diverting them from LWE influences.
