Over 1,600 Left-wing extremists surrendered in 2019-21: Report

New Delhi, June 12

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The Public Policy Research Centre (PPRC) has claimed in a report that around 1,651 Leftwing extremists surrendered and joined the mainstream during 2019-21. The report is titled: “Atmavishwas se Atmanirbharta: Defending India’s Might”.

Highlighting the achievements of “Modi Government @ 8”, the report, which was prepared under the guidance of Director, PPRC Dr Sumeet Bhasin, claimed there had been a sharp decline in cases of Naxal violence from 2,258 in 2009 to 349 in 2021 (till August).

“This resulted in decline in deaths (civilians and security forces) by 85 per cent from all-time high of 1,005 in 2010 to 147 in 2021,” it said.

Commenting on the situation as regards Naxal violence before 2014, Dr Bhasin said, “. Immediate use of all available resources was required, but the administration and the forces were then rendered powerless due to lack of political resolve.” Soon after assuming power in 2014, the Modi government launched the National Policy and Action Plan (NPAP 2015) against Naxalism, which has been a multi-pronged strategy that includes security measures, development initiatives and guaranteeing rights and entitlements to people living in the LWE-affected areas, he said.

The government also took initiatives to reinforce the legal and institutional framework for combating the menace by amending the UAPA, Bhasin noted. — TNS

Greatest threat

Naxal violence was considered to be the single greatest threat to India’s internal security. Dr Sumeet Bhasin, Director, Public Policy Research Centre