Introduction:
The significant decline of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India marks a major internal security achievement. However, it represents a transition from counter-insurgency to governance-led transformation, where sustaining peace depends on addressing underlying socio-economic and institutional deficits.
Why Security-Centric Approach Alone is Insufficient?
- Temporary suppression, not permanent resolution: Security operations can dismantle insurgent networks but do not eliminate root causes such as deprivation, alienation, and injustice.
- Legacy of distrust in State institutions: Prolonged conflict has created fear and mistrust among tribal communities, who often experienced both insurgent coercion and coercive state responses.
- Governance vacuum risks relapse: Withdrawal of focused attention after security gains can create administrative vacuums, potentially leading to resurgence of extremism.
Need for Governance-Led Transformation:
- Building governance credibility: The State must ensure continuous presence through effective delivery of education, healthcare, infrastructure, and welfare services, thereby restoring legitimacy.
- Rights-based and inclusive development: Tribal communities should be treated as rights-bearing citizens, with effective implementation of land, forest, and welfare entitlements.
- Local economic empowerment: Promotion of forest-based livelihoods, agroforestry, MSMEs, and eco-tourism can generate sustainable employment and reduce vulnerability.
- Strengthening justice and institutional trust: Measures such as humane policing, grievance redress, legal aid, and speedy justice are essential to rebuild confidence in the State.
- Convergence of schemes and last-mile delivery: Effective integration of initiatives like Aspirational Districts Programme, PM-JANMAN, and Tribal Sub Plan can ensure targeted and accountable development.
- Harnessing youth aspirations: Investments in education, skill development, sports, and women-led enterprises can channel youth energy towards constructive opportunities.
Conclusion:
The decline of LWE signals a shift from security control to governance responsibility. Sustainable peace will depend on transforming conflict regions into zones of dignity, opportunity, and trust, where constitutional promises are realised in everyday life.
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