The persisting drives of the Government for development of large industries in backward areas have resulted in isolating the tribal population and the farmers who face multiple displacements. With Malkangiri and Naxalbari foci, discuss the corrective strategies needed to win the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) doctrine affected citizens back into the mainstream of social and economic growth.

Development, displacement and Left Wing Extremism

Large industrial and mining projects in resource-rich but backward regions have repeatedly displaced tribals and marginal farmers, whose land, forests and livelihoods are lost with inadequate compensation. This alienation feeds Left Wing Extremism. Naxalbari (West Bengal), where the movement began in 1967, and Malkangiri (Odisha), a persistent LWE stronghold, symbolise how neglect converts grievance into insurgency.

Corrective strategies

• Rights-based protection: faithful implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006 and PESA, 1996 to secure community control over land and minor forest produce, and fair rehabilitation under the 2013 land law.
• Inclusive development: road and telecom connectivity, schools, health and skilling, and focused schemes for the worst-affected districts.
• Livelihoods: minimum support price for minor forest produce, local value addition and employment guarantee to reduce dependence on extremist patronage.
• Calibrated security: intelligence-led operations that protect civilians, alongside a fair surrender-and-rehabilitation policy to bring cadres back.
• Governance and trust: responsive administration, grievance redress and genuine consent before land acquisition.

The two-pronged 'security plus development' approach, embodied in the SAMADHAN doctrine, works only when tribals experience the state as a partner rather than an evictor. Winning back affected citizens ultimately requires justice, dignity and a stake in growth.