Sharp Drop in Violence

Subhashis Mittra

The problem of Naxal violence in the country is on the wane, thanks to the resolute implementation of the National Policy and Action Plan to address Left Wing Extremism (LWE). The scenario has improved significantly—both in terms of reduced violence and constriction of geographical spread. The number of LWE related violent incidents have come down by 73 per cent in 2023 in comparison to 2010. In 2024 (till 15 November 2024), there was a sharp reduction of 25 per cent in LWE perpetrated incidents.

The number of resultant deaths (security forces and civilians) dropped to 138 in 2023 from 1,005 in 2010, marking a reduction of 86 per cent. Due to the improved scenario, the number of LWE affected districts have come down to 38 districts in April 2024.

During the last five years, 60 districts have been freed from the menace of LWE. Likewise, the number of police stations reporting LWE related violence has significantly fallen from 465 in 2010 to 171 in 2023, says home ministry data. Since choking of funds is an important part of the overall strategy for elimination of LWE, synergised efforts by central and state agencies are being implemented to ensure cutting of sources of funding to the LWE.

On the security front, the Centre assists the LWE affected states by providing Central Armed Police battalions, training and funds for modernisation of state police forces, equipment and arms, sharing of intelligence, construction of fortified police stations e