MoS Home Nityanand Rai informed the Lok Sabha on Tuesday that incidents of violence by left-wing extremists and resulting deaths of civilians and security forces have sharply decreased since their peak in 2010.
Civilians’ deaths dropped by 81%, while security personnel fatalities fell by 85% in 2024.
Rai was responding to queries from Congress MP Kalyan Vaijinathrao Kale about the government’s efforts to curb Naxal activities and ensure safety in areas affected by Maoism. He highlighted that consistent implementation of the National Policy and Action Plan 2015 has been central to the decline in LWE-related violence.
The MoS noted that LWE, once a major threat to India’s internal security, has now been restricted to only a few pockets. The number of LWE-affected districts fell dramatically from 126 in 2013 to 18 districts in April 2025. This contraction reflects both reduced violence and the shrinking geographical spread of extremist influence.
Impact on Tribal Communities
Nityanand Rai emphasised that tribal populations have borne the brunt of LWE violence. Many civilians killed by extremists were tribals, often branded as ‘police informers’ before being tortured and killed.
He described the situation as deeply ironic, noting that the groups claiming to fight for the tribals have caused the most harm to these communities.
Areas affected by LWE face dual challenges, persistent backwardness and ongoing security concerns.
Rai highlighted poverty, low literacy, poor health standards, and inadequate infrastructure and connectivity as enduring legacies of LWE influence. These conditions, combined with violence, have severely impacted the economic and social development of tribal and marginalised communities.
Nityanand Rai pointed out the irony of the Naxalbari movement and the so-called ‘people’s war’.
While Maoists claim to protect the underprivileged, the reality is that tribals and economically vulnerable populations have been the primary victims. The government’s efforts, through security operations and socio-economic interventions, aim to break this vicious cycle of violence and underdevelopment.
The reduction in LWE violence demonstrates the effectiveness of sustained policy measures and coordinated action. The government will continue focusing on security, development, and tribal welfare to further reduce the influence of extremist groups and improve safety and socio-economic conditions in affected areas.
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