New Delhi. 03 July 2019. Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba reviewed the Left Wing Extremism scenario with Chief Secretary, DGPs of affected states, Director IB and DGs of the CAPFs.
It was noted that there has been a consistent decline in violence and considerable shrinkage in geographical spread of LWE in the last 5 years. The review of LWE affected districts in 2018, resulted in reduction of SRE districts from 126 districts to 82. However 8 new districts have been added to the list as a pre-emptive measure.
A detailed exchange of views took place. Useful suggestions and security concerns by the States were taken note of. Making mobile communication more effective and improvement in the working conditions of the security forces deployed in the LWE theatre were also discussed.
It was decided to carry forward the resolute implementation of National Policy and Action Plan to address Left Wing Extremism – 2
To combat the LWE menace in a holistic manner, Government of India formulated a National Policy and Action Plan in January 2015, which envisages a multi pronged approach comprising security measures, development measures, ensuring Rights and Entitlements of local communities etc.
MHA is supporting the State Governments extensively by way of deployment of CAPF Battalions, provision of helicopter and UAVs and sanction of India Reserve Bns (IRBs)/Special India Reserve Bns (SIRBs) etc. Funds are provided under Modernisation of Police Force (MPF), Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme and Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS) for capacity building of State Police, intelligence agencies and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
Development interventions are made through provision of resources and focused implementation of schemes through line Ministries of the Govt. of India. Significant efforts have been made for improving infrastructure in LWE affected areas. These include construction of around 11000 km of roads in LWE areas. Of this, 5500 km of roads have already been constructed. For improving telecom connectivity 2335 mobile towers have been installed and 4072 mobile towers will be installed in the next phase of the project.
To provide further impetus to development and fill critical infrastructure gaps, in the most affected LWE districts, funds are provided to the State Governments under “Special Central Assistance Scheme” @ Rs.33.33 crore per annum.
The steadfast implementation of the policy has resulted in consistent decline in LWE violence and geographical spread. Violent incidents have declined from a high of 2258 in 2009 to 833 in 2018 in the Country. The resultant deaths have also declined steadily from 1005 in 2010 to 240 in 2018. The reduction in geographical spread of Left Wing Extremism is evident in decline in number of districts reporting LWE violence to 60 in 2018.
The Government has taken steps to enhance sharing of intelligence and improving coordination between the agencies concerned.
Union Home Secretary appreciated the efforts of States and the Central forces. He further mentioned the need for continued operations and stressed upon filling up of areas of security vacuum. He assured that resources required in the endeavour, shall be provided to States and CAPF.
