National Security and Strategic Studies
Leftwing Extremism
Left Wing Extremism: The Way Ahead

Left-wing extremism, also called Naxalism, or Maoism has been around since the late 60s. After 60 years, the movement may be down but not out. The UPA government had described the Maoist movement as the greatest internal security threat. In the last few years, the government has been proactive in dealing with the Naxalist violence. A judicious mix of security and developmental measures have put considerable pressure on the movement. According to government figures, there has been a significant decline in moist violence since 2014.

Security and Development: An Appraisal of the Red Corridor

… Left Wing Extremism is recognised as one of the most serious threats, not only to India’s internal security but indeed to the very basic values of the democratic, pluralistic political order enshrined in our Constitution. Apart from heavy casualties, it has also caused massive damage to government and private property ..

Round Table Discussion on the ‘Role of CRPF in Counter-Insurgency Operations’

Aiming for a thorough review of India’s internal security apparatus, as also in partial fulfilment of the requirements of a Task Force set up recently by the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) on the subject, the Foundation invited Mr. RR Bhatnagar, Director General, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) - the lead force deployed in counter-insurgency (CI) operations across India, - for a round table discussion (RTD) with a select group of policy analysts and security experts including members of the Task Force, among others, on Feb 12, 2018.

Discussion on ‘Socio-Economic Solutions to the Maoist Problem'

On 31 July 2017, the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) organised a round table discussion on the Maoist Problem in India, focusing especially on its socio-economic dynamics. The panel assembled for the deliberations included policy experts, security practitioners – former and present, and members of the civil society, NGOs and academia. The discussion was broadly centered on Chhattisgarh, a state located in the centre-east of India which has remained the nerve centre of the Maoist activities despite gradual weakening of its activities in other states.

Launch of Red Revolution 2020 and Beyond: Strategic Challenges to Resolve Naxalism

Red Revolution 2020 and Beyond: Strategic Challenges to Resolve Naxalism authored by Lt Gen V K Ahluwalia, Army Commander, Central Command, was launched at a release function at the Vivekananda International Foundation on August 19, 2013. The book was jointly released by Mr Ajit Doval, KC, Director, VIF, Mr Ved Marwah, former Governor and Director General, National Security Guard and Lt Gen K M Seth, former Governor of MP and Chhattisgarh and a highly decorated officer, who led the counter insurgency operations in Nagaland.

Maoist Insurgency in India: Impending Escalation and Dimensions of The State’s Armed Response

Resurgence of Maoist Violence Since the mid-2011 or so, the intensity of Maoist insurgency had somewhat been less spectacular as compared to the preceding years. Indeed, there had been many Maoist-Police encounters during this time, mostly in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, but the frequency of such incidents had shown a definite downslide. Click here to read full Paper

Strategic and Tactical Response to Left Extremism: Problems & Possibilities

“We should not fall into the false perception that the Maoists today have deviated from the original ideology of Mao and have become hoodlums and extortionists, but should realise that they have moved closer to the original thought and strategy of capturing a nation’s power through violence” said Vishwaranjan, DGP of the most highly Naxal affected state of India – Chhattisgarh. He was speaking at a discussion ‘Strategic and Tactical Response to Left Extremism: Problems & Possibilities’, at VIF on May 29, 2010.

Efface the danger of left wing extremism forever a talk by Shri Prakash Singh

Former Director of the Border Security Force, Prakash Singh IPS (Retd) delivered the monthly talk on ‘Naxal threat - State Response’ on 30th October 2009 at Vivekananda International Foundation. He examined the dimesnions of the threat and the state policy options to contain it.

Naxal Threat to the Indian State: Shri Ajit Doval

Ajit Doval, the Director of Vivekananda International Foundation and former Director of Intelligence Bureau spoke on Naxal threat to the Indian state on 21st August 2009 at Vivekananda International Foundation

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