Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in Odisha

Odisha has been one of the significant theatres of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India. Spread across the southern and western districts, LWE, popularly known as Naxalism, has posed serious challenges to internal security, development, and governance. However, Odisha has taken proactive measures to curb this menace through security operations, development programs, and rehabilitation initiatives.

Reasons for the Rise of Left Wing Extremism in Odisha

The growth of Naxal activities in Odisha has been fueled by a combination of socio-economic, political, and geographical factors. These are explained as follows:

Socio-Economic Deprivation

• Poverty: Southern Odisha, particularly districts like Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, and Kandhamal, have high poverty levels and poor Human Development Index (HDI).
• Land alienation: Tribal communities have historically lost land due to land acquisition, displacement, and inadequate land reforms.
• Exploitation by middlemen and contractors, especially in minor forest produce and agriculture.

Tribal Marginalization and Displacement

• Involuntary displacement due to mining, industrial projects, and dams, often without proper rehabilitation.
• Lack of access to education, healthcare, and basic amenities fuels alienation and resentment.

Geographical Terrain

• The dense forests and hilly terrain of south-west Odisha provide natural hideouts for extremists.
• These regions have difficult access and poor connectivity, hampering state reach.

Administrative Apathy and Governance Deficit

• Inadequate delivery of public services.
• Weak presence of law enforcement and judicial mechanisms.
• Delayed implementation of development programs created trust deficits among locals.

Radical Ideology and External Influence

• Influence from neighboring states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Andhra Pradesh, which are Naxal hotspots.
• Spread of Maoist ideology, exploiting local grievances to mobilize tribal youth.

Impact of Left Wing Extremism in Odisha

• Disruption of Development: Delay in infrastructure projects, road construction, and industrial growth in LWE areas.
• Threat to Security Forces and Civilians: Attacks on police stations, security personnel, politicians, and civilians.
• Human Rights Violations: Forced recruitment of children (Bal Sangham), extortion, and violence against dissenters.
• Loss of Faith in Governance: Alienation of tribals from the state apparatus, encouraging anti-state sentiments.

Initiatives by the Government of Odisha to Counter Left Wing Extremism

The Odisha government, along with central agencies, has taken a multi-pronged approach combining security measures, development initiatives, and rehabilitation efforts.

Security Measures

Strengthening Policing and Security Forces

• Formation of Special Operations Group (SOG), an elite anti-Naxal unit trained in guerrilla warfare.
• Establishment of District Voluntary Force (DVF) and Odisha Swift Action Force (OSAF).
• Deployment of Odisha Police, CRPF, and BSF in vulnerable districts.

Odisha State Intelligence Wing

• Strengthened intelligence gathering through technical surveillance and human intelligence (HUMINT) networks.

Security Infrastructure

• Development of fortified police stations, mobile towers, and helipads in LWE-affected districts.
• Installation of CCTV surveillance and drone technology in vulnerable zones.

Special Rewards and Incentives

• Cash rewards and promotions for personnel engaged in successful anti-Naxal operations.

Development Initiatives (Winning Hearts and Minds)

Road Connectivity

• Launch of Road Requirement Plan-I & II, ensuring all-weather roads in remote villages.
• PMGSY roads constructed in cut-off and core Maoist areas.

Education

• Opening of residential schools (Ashram Schools) and Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas.
• Adarsh Vidyalayas and Model Schools in tribal districts.

Healthcare

• Establishment of Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Mobile Health Units in inaccessible areas.
• Free ambulance services (108/102) in LWE zones.

Livelihood and Employment

• MGNREGS, Odisha Livelihood Mission (OLM), and Skill Development Programs focused on tribal youth.
• Promotion of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) trade through cooperatives and direct procurement.

Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy

• 2006 Odisha Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy revised in 2014 to offer monetary assistance, skill training, land allocation, and education to surrendered extremists.
• Safe housing, livelihood support, and legal aid to former extremists willing to join the mainstream.

Community Engagement and Confidence-Building Measures

Ama Police Program

• Regular police-public interface programs to build trust in LWE-affected areas.

Jana Sampark Abhiyan (Public Contact Programs)

• Outreach programs by senior officials in villages to understand local grievances and deliver services on the spot.

Sports and Cultural Events

• Promotion of sports, folk dances, and festivals to weaken Maoist propaganda.
• Events like Kandhamal Utsav and Malkangiri Sports Festivals encourage youth engagement.

Achievements and Success Stories

• Reduction in LWE-affected districts: From 19 districts to 10 districts by 2023.
• Malkangiri "Gurupriya Bridge" (inaugurated in 2018): Opened cut-off areas after 50 years, transforming connectivity and development.
• Successful rehabilitation of hundreds of surrendered cadres who are now engaged in productive activities.
• Zero civilian casualty target in operations through precision strikes and intelligence-based operations.

Challenges in Tackling Left Wing Extremism

1. Difficult Terrain: Dense forests and hilly areas pose logistical challenges.
2. Cross-border Issues: LWE activities often spill over from Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.
3. Balancing Security and Human Rights: Maintaining law and order while respecting rights and building trust.
4. Sustaining Development: Need to ensure inclusive and sustainable development in remote tribal areas.

Conclusion

Odisha has made significant strides in countering Left Wing Extremism through holistic measures. While security forces have ensured law and order, development initiatives and community engagement have brought hope and trust among tribal populations.

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Subject: Odisha Manthan

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