Phase IFoundation
Background
Overview
LWE poses a grave threat to India's internal security, democratic institutions, and socio-economic development, particularly in vulnerable tribal regions. UPSC examines its causes, manifestations, government strategies, and challenges in maintaining law and order and ensuring inclusive growth, often involving complex centre-state coordination.
Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), often referred to as Naxalism or Maoist insurgency, is a significant internal security challenge in India, primarily affecting tribal and forested regions. It stems from socio-economic grievances, land alienation, and perceived state neglect, leading to armed rebellion by groups like the CPI (Maoist) against the state.