Major Naxalite Commander Surrenders, Boosting Internal Security Efforts
Top PLGA commander Bajraq Dev and 40 others surrender, a significant win against Naxalism.
In a significant boost to India's internal security efforts, Bajraq Dev, a top commander of the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA)'s Battalion-1, along with 40 other Naxalites, has surrendered. This development marks a notable success in the government's strategy to counter Left-Wing Extremism (LWE). The surrender of a high-ranking leader like Bajraq Dev, who was responsible for several attacks and recruitment, indicates a weakening of the Naxalite movement and the effectiveness of rehabilitation policies.
This event is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it highlights the ongoing challenges of internal security and the multi-pronged approach—combining security operations with development and surrender policies—adopted by the government to bring peace to LWE-affected regions. It also underscores the human impact, offering a path for those involved in extremism to return to mainstream society.
Key Facts
Bajraq Dev, top commander of PLGA's Battalion-1, surrendered
40 other Naxalites also surrendered
UPSC Exam Angles
Government's multi-pronged strategy against LWE (SAMADHAN doctrine, surrender policies, development initiatives).
Historical context and ideological roots of Naxalism.
Role of constitutional provisions and acts (e.g., PESA, FRA) in addressing grievances in LWE-affected areas.
Challenges to internal security from non-state actors and the role of state and central forces.
Socio-economic factors contributing to LWE and the importance of inclusive development.
Visual Insights
LWE Affected Districts in India & Recent Surrender Location (Jan 2026)
This map illustrates the geographical spread of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in India, highlighting the most affected districts (often referred to as the 'Red Corridor') and pinpointing a representative location for the recent high-profile surrender of a Naxalite commander. It underscores the continued presence of LWE in specific regions despite overall decline.
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More Information
Background
Latest Developments
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding India's strategy to counter Left-Wing Extremism (LWE): 1. The 'SAMADHAN' doctrine primarily focuses on a security-centric approach, emphasizing intelligence-led operations and capacity building of security forces. 2. The surrender and rehabilitation policy for LWE cadres is a centrally sponsored scheme, with states having no role in its implementation. 3. The government's development initiatives in LWE-affected areas include schemes like the Aspirational Districts Programme and enhancing road and telecommunication connectivity. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: C
Statement 1 is correct. SAMADHAN is a comprehensive strategy with S-Smart leadership, A-Aggressive strategy, M-Motivation and Training, A-Actionable intelligence, D-Dashboard-based KPIs and KRs, H-Harnessing technology, A-Action plan for each theatre, N-No access to financing. It encompasses both security and development aspects but has a strong emphasis on aggressive, intelligence-led operations and capacity building. Statement 2 is incorrect. While the central government formulates guidelines and provides financial assistance, the implementation of the surrender and rehabilitation policy is primarily carried out by the respective state governments, often with their own specific schemes. Statement 3 is correct. The government has launched various development initiatives, including the Aspirational Districts Programme, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, and schemes for mobile tower installation, to address the root causes of LWE and integrate these regions into the mainstream.
2. In the context of the origin and evolution of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in India, which of the following statements is NOT correct?
- A.The Naxalbari uprising in 1967 is widely considered the starting point of the Naxalite movement in India.
- B.Charu Majumdar was a prominent leader associated with the initial phase of the Naxalite movement.
- C.The Communist Party of India (Maoist) was formed by the merger of several Naxalite groups, including the People's War Group (PWG) and the Maoist Communist Centre (MCC).
- D.The Naxalite movement primarily draws its ideological inspiration from the teachings of Vladimir Lenin and Joseph Stalin, with minimal influence from Mao Zedong.
Show Answer
Answer: D
Statement D is NOT correct. The Naxalite movement, by its very name and ideology, draws significant and primary inspiration from the teachings of Mao Zedong, particularly his theory of 'protracted people's war.' While it has roots in broader Marxist-Leninist thought, Maoism is its defining ideological characteristic. Statements A, B, and C are correct. The Naxalbari uprising in 1967 is the historical origin. Charu Majumdar was a key ideologue. The CPI (Maoist) was indeed formed in 2004 by the merger of PWG and MCC.
3. Consider the following pairs related to governance and tribal rights in LWE-affected areas: 1. Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), 1996: Empowers Gram Sabhas with significant powers over natural resources and development in Scheduled Areas. 2. Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006: Recognizes and vests forest rights and occupation in forest dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers. 3. Special Central Assistance (SCA) to Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP): Aims to fill critical gaps in development infrastructure and human development indices in tribal areas. Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
All three pairs are correctly matched. PESA Act (1996) was enacted to extend the provisions of Part IX of the Constitution relating to Panchayats to the Scheduled Areas, granting substantial powers to Gram Sabhas, especially concerning natural resources. The Forest Rights Act (2006) is crucial for securing the land and livelihood rights of forest dwellers. Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub-Plan (now renamed as Grants under Article 275(1) of the Constitution) is a central scheme aimed at supporting states for tribal development, particularly in LWE-affected regions, by addressing critical gaps in infrastructure and services. These acts and schemes are vital for addressing the root causes of LWE by ensuring better governance and development for tribal communities.