This article explores various challenges and reforms taken by the GOI and further steps to improve the situation on the basis of committee reports, etc. The main sub-theme of the article is “Legal Dimensions of Left Wing Extremism in India”.
This article was initially intended to encompass a wide range of internal and external security challenges faced by India — from external threats such as State-Sponsored Cross-Border Terrorism (SCBT), infiltration, and the smuggling of drugs and arms, along with their causes and solutions through effective border management, to internal threats such as Left Wing Extremism (LWE), insurgency in the North East, and unrest in Jammu and Kashmir. However, given the grave nature of Naxalism and the complex socio-political circumstances that led citizens to take up arms against the state, it was found necessary to undertake an in-depth analysis of this particular issue. Consequently, this article focuses exclusively on the theme of Left Wing Extremism.
This report presents a detailed examination of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India, focusing on its evolution, underlying causes, and the government’s multi-pronged approach to address it. The study also explores key themes such as the misadventure of Salwa Judum, the non-implementation of constitutional safeguards like the Fifth Schedule, the role of women in the Red Corridor, and the gaps in forest policy implementation.
The purpose of this report is to understand how socio-economic deprivation, governance deficits, and policy lapses have contributed to the persistence of LWE. The analysis draws upon official reports, expert committee findings, and judgments of the Supreme Court to provide a comprehensive view.
The most basic cause of this movement can be magnified down to one sole cause of Governmental Deficit/Development Deficit which led to the Naxals gaining legitimacy in these areas, and to maintain this legitimacy they did not wanted any development policies to reach these secluded regions. This turned into a vicious cycle leaving the people there believing that these Naxals were good for them and not the state. All through the report one can notice this phenomenan.
The reforms taken by the government was to implement policies to develop these areas and under the National Policy and Action Plan the government reinforced security while addressing legitimate greivances and bringing in development.
It is my hope that this report contributes to a better understanding of India’s internal security challenges and the importance of inclusive development and governance reforms in resolving them.
Left Wing Extremism (name given because of their left side idea of overthrowing the Indian state)/ Maoists (because the idea of Chinese leader Mao Zedong/ Naxals (because the movement first started in Naxalbari in West Bengal) is a political ideology that advocates for radical social, political, and economic change through the abolition of capitalism, the establishment of a socialist or communist system, and the dismantling of existing power structures. LWE groups often employ violent tactics to achieve their goals, including bombings, assassinations, and armed insurrections.
(As per Report of an Expert Group to the Planning Commission and Administrative Reform Committee ARC II)
The intensity of unrest often arises from unresolved social and economic issues like land rights, lack of economic opportunities, social discrimination, and inadequate access to basic services.
Naxalites target oppressive landholders, driving them away and redistributing land to the landless.
Example: In Bihar, Naxalites have helped landless Musahars take possession of land, though legal title remains disputed due to administrative resistance.
Land reforms, including land ceilings and redistribution, have had limited impact due to poor implementation, resulting in persistent landlessness and agrarian distress.
Traditional usufructuary rights of forest dwellers have been declared illegal, leading to displacement. The Forest Conservation Act (1980) and related regulations have marginalized forest dwellers, which Naxalites have exploited to gain support by advocating for forest rights.
Inadequate Governance and Corruption: Misgovernance, corruption, and lack of effective local governance have contributed to Naxalism. The 73rd Amendment aimed to empower Panchayati Raj institutions but remains poorly implemented.
Police Harassment and State Repression: Arbitrary police actions, harassment by forest officials, and violent suppression of protests have intensified resentment. Focus on curbing Naxal influence often overlooks legitimate grievances, worsening the conflict.
Cultural and Social Alienation: Tribal alienation from traditional lands and cultural practices due to state and corporate policies has fueled discontent. Lack of recognition of their unique identity drives them towards extremism.
Written By: Siddhant Upadhyay (LL.B, 4th Year, City Law College, Lucknow)
