Union Home Minister Amit Shah to lead discussions with Chief Ministers of LWE-affected states
News Delhi: In a significant move to address the ongoing challenges posed by Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in India, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi departed for New Delhi on Sunday for a crucial three-day visit. His visit comes ahead of the high-stakes LWE review meeting, which will be chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The meeting, set to take place at Vigyan Bhawan on Monday, will bring together the Chief Ministers of eight LWE-affected states, senior government officials, and key security personnel to assess the current situation and discuss further steps in tackling extremism.
A Collaborative Push to Address Left-Wing Extremism
Chief Ministers from Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh will also participate in the review session alongside CM Majhi. The presence of five Union Ministers, representing key ministries responsible for supporting the development of LWE-affected regions, highlights the comprehensive approach the government is taking. By involving multiple ministries, the Centre aims to address both the security and development needs of the affected states, a key strategy in combating the spread of extremism.
The Union Home Ministry confirmed that additional senior personnel, including the Additional National Security Advisor and officials from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), will attend the meeting to provide insights and recommendations based on ground realities. The inclusion of these officials reflects the seriousness of the issue, as they bring firsthand knowledge of the operational and strategic challenges in dealing with LWE activities.
LWE: A Persistent Challenge
Despite notable progress in recent years, Left-Wing Extremism continues to be a significant security challenge in several parts of India. The government’s focus on a two-pronged approach—strengthening security measures while promoting socio-economic development—has led to a marked reduction in LWE-related incidents. However, certain pockets of states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha remain vulnerable, necessitating continued vigilance and collaboration among state and central agencies.
Odisha, under the leadership of CM Mohan Majhi, has been actively working to reduce the impact of LWE through sustained efforts in rural development and security enforcement. The state’s multi-layered strategy includes improving road connectivity, enhancing livelihoods, and ensuring access to basic services such as education and healthcare in LWE-affected districts. These initiatives have been crucial in weakening the influence of extremist groups, which often exploit underdevelopment to gain a foothold in remote areas.
Development and Security: Hand-in-Hand
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been vocal about the importance of balancing security operations with development initiatives in LWE-affected states. At Monday’s meeting, state representatives and central officials are expected to review the progress of ongoing infrastructure projects, employment programs, and social welfare schemes aimed at curbing extremism by addressing the root causes of discontent.
As part of his three-day visit, CM Majhi is also scheduled to meet with several Union Ministers to discuss matters related to Odisha’s developmental priorities. These meetings are expected to focus on securing additional central assistance for infrastructure projects, improving state-centre coordination on key policy issues, and addressing concerns related to LWE-affected districts in Odisha. The discussions could potentially pave the way for new collaborations and financial support to further strengthen Odisha's ongoing efforts in tackling LWE.
Odisha's Strategy Against Extremism
Odisha’s approach to countering Left-Wing Extremism has been a model of integrating law enforcement with grassroots development. Over the past decade, the state has adopted a series of measures aimed at building trust between the government and the local population in LWE-affected areas. These measures include the expansion of road networks, improving access to education, and providing vocational training to youth to create alternative employment opportunities.
The state’s Special Operations Group (SOG) and District Voluntary Forces (DVF) have played pivotal roles in dismantling extremist networks, while community outreach programs have sought to rehabilitate surrendered extremists and reintegrate them into society. Despite these successes, certain districts, particularly those with dense forests and difficult terrains, remain hotbeds of extremist activity. These areas will likely be a focal point of discussion during the upcoming review meeting.
Strengthening State-Central Collaboration
The review meeting offers an opportunity for the Centre and state governments to synchronize their efforts and share best practices in the ongoing battle against Left-Wing Extremism. A coordinated strategy, driven by both central funding and state-level execution, is seen as crucial to not only improving security but also ensuring the long-term stability of the LWE-affected regions.
For Odisha, this meeting is particularly timely as CM Majhi has been pushing for increased central assistance for infrastructure development and livelihood programs in the state's underdeveloped districts. His upcoming meetings with Union Ministers are expected to focus on ensuring continued support for these initiatives, which are essential for sustaining the progress made against extremism in the state.
Looking Ahead
As the LWE review meeting unfolds, all eyes will be on the outcomes of the discussions between the Chief Ministers, Union Ministers, and top security officials. The joint efforts of the Centre and the states to tackle the multi-faceted challenge of extremism will be critical in determining the future course of action. Odisha’s participation in these deliberations underscores the state’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens while continuing its path of development and progress.
With CM Majhi’s proactive leadership, Odisha is poised to remain a key player in the nation’s fight against Left-Wing Extremism, setting an example for other states to follow.