LWE Violence Witnesses Sharp Decline in Odisha, but Challenges Remain by IPS Sri Satyajit Naik.

LWE Violence Witnesses Sharp Decline in Odisha, but Challenges Remain

Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) has long posed one of India’s most persistent internal security challenges. In Odisha, where dense forests, rugged terrains, and socio-economic marginalization intersect, the problem has been both complex and enduring.Over the past decade, however, there has been undeniable progress in containing the insurgency.

Across India, the number of LWE-affected districts has fallen sharply from 223 in 2010 to 45 in 2023. Odisha has mirrored this trend, recording significant reductions in violent incidents. Overall, LWE-related violence has dropped by nearly 77 percent in the state.

A combined strategy of security operations and development initiatives has played a crucial role in this progress. Improved road connectivity, expansion of mobile networks, and increased state presence in previously inaccessible areas have strengthened governance and restricted extremist activities.Despite these gains, deep-rooted socio-economic and political grievances continue to fester, especially among tribal communities.

Many tribal populations have historically faced poverty, displacement, alienation, and lack of access to education, healthcare, and employment.Successive governments have pursued a two-pronged approach: dismantling the operational and leadership structures of extremist groups through security measures, while simultaneously rolling out welfare schemes, infrastructure projects, and economic opportunities in LWE-affected areas.

However, many of these development initiatives have followed a top-down model, with limited community participation. Projects designed without adequate local consultation often fail to address the specific needs and aspirations of the people they aim to serve.Going forward, while robust security operations will remain essential to counter armed groups, they must be complemented by governance reforms and community-driven development.

The ultimate goal should be to restore dignity, trust, and inclusion among conflict-affected communities.

(The writer is DIG of Odisha Police Central Range)