Left Wing Extremism (LWE) is a concept and a major internal security challenge in India, referring to the violent insurgency driven by Maoist or Naxalite ideologies, primarily targeting marginalized regions. LWE groups, most notably the Communist Party of India (Maoist), are listed as terrorist organizations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. The movement's objective is to overthrow the Indian state through armed conflict and establish a communist society, rejecting parliamentary democracy.
The LWE movement originated in the 1967 uprising in Naxalbari, West Bengal, which is why its adherents are often called Naxalites. The movement was a response to deep-seated socio-economic injustices, including land disputes, tribal neglect, and corruption, aiming to champion the rights of marginalized communities. The initial uprising was led by leaders like Charu Mazumdar, Kanu Sanyal, and Jangal Santhal, who broke away from the Communist Party of India (Marxist).
LWE operates through violent insurgent activities, employing guerrilla warfare tactics like ambushes and sabotage to target security forces and infrastructure. The key mechanism of the government's response is the multi-pronged National Policy and Action Plan to address Left Wing Extremism, approved in 2015. This plan integrates security measures, development projects, and ensuring the rights and entitlements of local communities. A related concept is the SAMADHAN doctrine, enunciated by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in 2017, which is the operational strategy to tackle LWE. The MHA's Left Wing Extremism Division, created on October 19, 2006, coordinates the government's efforts.
The status of LWE has changed significantly, with the number of LWE-affected districts drastically reduced from 126 in 2018 to 38 in 2024. The government has set a target for the complete elimination of LWE by March 2026. The core strategy has remained a holistic approach combining security and development, but recent changes include the streamlining of the Modernisation of Police Forces (MPF) Scheme in 2017 and the introduction of the Special Central Assistance (SCA) component for LWE-affected districts.