• In March 2022, the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) committed to combating plastic pollution, including in marine ecosystems. To achieve this, it established Intergovernmental Negotiating Committees (INC) tasked with drafting a treaty by the end of 2024.
• Over two years, countries convened five times to reconcile differing perspectives on addressing plastic pollution. While many nations support recycling initiatives and banning specific plastics, such as India's 2022 prohibition on single-use plastics, they remain hesitant to curb overall plastic production. This resistance stems from the economic significance of plastic manufacturing in petro-states and countries with large polymer industries.
• Ahead of the most recent negotiation round in Busan, South Korea, INC-5 Chair Luis Vayas Valdivieso presented a draft "non-paper," summarizing nations' varied approaches to managing plastic production.
• However, negotiations highlighted a stark divide between countries that see plastic pollution as a waste management issue and those advocating for production cuts at the source. This gap remains unresolved

2. About Left-wing Extremism

Left-wing extremism, often referred to simply as "left-wing extremism" or "left-wing terrorism," is a political ideology and movement characterised by radical leftist beliefs and methods that aim to bring about significant social, political, or economic change through violent or subversive means. Left-wing extremists typically advocate for the overthrow of existing societal structures, including capitalist systems, and the establishment of a more egalitarian or socialist society.

Some common characteristics of left-wing extremism include

• Left-wing extremists often oppose capitalist economic systems, viewing them as inherently oppressive and exploitative. They may advocate for the abolition of private property and the redistribution of wealth.
• Left-wing extremists frequently oppose imperialism, colonialism, and what they perceive as Western hegemony. They may support movements for national liberation and self-determination.
• Many left-wing extremists embrace revolutionary socialist ideologies, seeking to establish socialist or communist states through revolutionary means, such as armed struggle or mass uprisings.
• Left-wing extremists often engage in direct action tactics, such as bombings, assassinations, sabotage, and armed insurrections, to further their goals. These tactics are seen as necessary to challenge and disrupt existing power structures.
• Left-wing extremists may align themselves with marginalised or oppressed groups, such as ethnic minorities, indigenous peoples, LGBTQ+ communities, and workers, in their struggle against perceived oppression.

3. The difference between terrorism and Naxalism

4.  What is a Red corridor region?

• The term "Red Corridor" refers to a vast area in India that is affected by left-wing extremism, particularly Naxalism or Maoist insurgency. This region is characterized by the presence of various insurgent groups, including the Communist Party of India (Maoist) and other Naxalite factions, which seek to overthrow the Indian government through armed struggle and establish a communist state.
• The Red Corridor stretches across several states in central and eastern India, encompassing predominantly rural and forested areas. Some of the states included in the Red Corridor are Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and West Bengal.
• The term "Red" in "Red corridor" symbolizes the communist ideology embraced by these insurgent groups, while "corridor" refers to the interconnectedness of the affected regions, forming a corridor-like shape on the map. The presence of left-wing extremism in these areas has led to significant security challenges for the Indian government, including armed conflict, violence against civilians and security forces, and disruption of development initiatives.
• Efforts to address the issue of left-wing extremism in the Red Corridor have involved a combination of military operations, development programs, socio-economic initiatives, and political dialogues aimed at addressing the root causes of the insurgency and promoting peace and development in the affected regions. However, the situation remains complex, and the Red Corridor continues to be a focal point of counterinsurgency efforts in India.

5. Role of the District Reserve Guards (DRG) and Border Security Force (BSF)

The District Reserve Guards (DRG) and the Border Security Force (BSF) play crucial roles in addressing security challenges in India, particularly in regions affected by left-wing extremism and border security concerns, respectively.

District Reserve Guards (DRG)

• The DRG is a specialized force deployed in states affected by left-wing extremism, primarily in the Red Corridor regions of India.
• Their primary role is to conduct anti-insurgency operations, counter Naxalite/Maoist activities, and maintain law and order in the affected districts.
• DRG personnel are often recruited from local tribal communities and are trained in guerrilla warfare tactics, jungle warfare, and counterinsurgency operations to effectively combat left-wing extremist groups.
• They work in close coordination with state police forces, central paramilitary forces such as the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and other specialized units to conduct targeted operations against insurgent groups and maintain security in the region.
• Additionally, DRG units often engage in community policing efforts, intelligence gathering, and development activities aimed at winning the trust and support of local communities and isolating the insurgents.

Border Security Force (BSF)

• The BSF is one of India's primary border guarding forces, tasked with safeguarding the country's borders with neighboring countries such as Pakistan and Bangladesh.
• The BSF plays a crucial role in maintaining border security, preventing illegal immigration, curbing cross-border smuggling, and countering various security threats, including terrorism and infiltration attempts.
• Along with its primary responsibilities of border security, the BSF is often called upon to assist in internal security operations, including counterinsurgency efforts in regions affected by left-wing extremism or other security challenges.
• The BSF conducts regular patrols, surveillance, and border fortification measures to deter and respond to any threats along India's borders.
• In addition to its security duties, the BSF is also involved in various humanitarian and community development activities in border areas to foster goodwill among local populations and strengthen border management efforts.

6. Strategies of the government to curb the LWE

The Indian government has employed various strategies to curb Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), particularly in regions affected by Naxalism or Maoist insurgency. These strategies typically involve a multifaceted approach that integrates security measures with development initiatives, socio-economic reforms, and political dialogues. Some of the key strategies employed by the government include:

Security Operations

• Conducting targeted anti-insurgency operations by deploying specialized forces such as the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), District Reserve Guards (DRG), and state police units to combat Naxalite/Maoist activities.
• Enhancing intelligence gathering and sharing mechanisms to track and neutralize insurgent groups, disrupt their supply lines, and apprehend key leaders and operatives.
• Improving coordination among various security agencies, including state police forces, central paramilitary forces, and intelligence agencies, to conduct joint operations and intelligence-driven counterinsurgency efforts.

Development Initiatives

• Implementing development programs and infrastructure projects in Naxal-affected areas to address socio-economic grievances, reduce poverty, and improve living standards.
• Focusing on rural development, including the provision of basic amenities such as healthcare, education, electricity, and roads, to bridge the development deficit in marginalized communities.
• Promoting livelihood opportunities, skill development, and employment generation schemes to empower local populations and dissuade them from supporting or joining insurgent groups.

Socio-Economic Reforms

• Undertaking land reforms and addressing issues related to land ownership, land distribution, and land rights to address underlying socio-economic inequalities and grievances.
• Implementing social welfare schemes and affirmative action programs to uplift marginalized communities, including Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Scheduled Castes (SCs), who are often disproportionately affected by Naxalism.

Political Dialogues and Reconciliation

• Engaging in dialogue with moderate Naxalite factions and offering amnesty and rehabilitation opportunities to surrendering insurgents.
• Encouraging political participation and representation of marginalized communities in local governance structures to address their grievances through democratic means.
• Facilitating peace talks and negotiations between the government and insurgent groups to explore avenues for conflict resolution and long-term peace-building.

Capacity Building and Training

• Enhancing the capabilities of security forces through specialized training in counterinsurgency operations, jungle warfare, intelligence gathering, and community policing.
• Strengthening the institutional capacity of local administration, law enforcement agencies, and judiciary to effectively address security challenges and deliver justice.

7. Why do Naxals continue to hold out in Chhattisgarh?

The persistence of Naxalism in Chhattisgarh, despite efforts by the government to address the issue, can be attributed to a combination of socio-economic, political, and strategic factors

• Chhattisgarh, particularly its rural and tribal areas, continues to grapple with deep-rooted socio-economic inequalities, including landlessness, poverty, lack of access to basic amenities, and exploitation by landlords and local elites. These grievances provide fertile ground for Naxalite recruitment and support.
• Many areas affected by Naxalism in Chhattisgarh suffer from underdevelopment, with inadequate infrastructure, limited healthcare and education facilities, and poor connectivity. The lack of government presence and development initiatives in these remote regions contributes to a sense of alienation and discontent among local communities.
• Chhattisgarh is rich in natural resources, including minerals and forests, which have been subject to exploitation by government agencies and private corporations. Disputes over land acquisition, displacement of indigenous communities, and environmental degradation have fueled resentment and resistance, often exploited by Naxalite groups.
• Weak governance, corruption, and ineffective law enforcement exacerbate the challenges of addressing Naxalism in Chhattisgarh. In some cases, local politicians, officials, and law enforcement agencies may collude with Naxalite groups or exploit the situation for personal gain, undermining counter-insurgency efforts.
• The dense forests and rugged terrain of Chhattisgarh provide Naxalite groups with strategic advantages, including natural cover, logistical support, and sanctuary from security forces. These geographic features make it challenging for security forces to conduct operations and root out insurgents effectively.
• Despite the decline of communism globally, Naxalite groups in Chhattisgarh remain ideologically committed to their cause of overthrowing the state and establishing a communist society. This ideological fervor motivates them to continue their armed struggle, despite setbacks and government efforts to engage in dialogue and reconciliation.
• Naxalite groups in Chhattisgarh may receive external support, including ideological guidance, arms, and funding, from sympathetic entities or transnational networks sharing similar leftist ideologies. Such support can bolster their resilience and sustain their activities despite government crackdowns.

8. Who are the urban Naxals?

The term "urban Naxals" is often used in India to refer to individuals or groups who allegedly provide ideological, logistical, financial, or political support to Naxalite/Maoist insurgents operating in rural areas from urban centres. The concept of urban Naxals is controversial and has been the subject of intense debate in Indian society, politics, and media.

Some key points regarding urban Naxals

• Urban Naxals are accused of various activities, including spreading Maoist ideology, recruiting and radicalizing youth, providing funding and material support, facilitating communication and coordination between urban and rural Naxalite groups, and organizing protests, rallies, or campaigns to advance Naxalite objectives.
• Urban Naxals may have diverse backgrounds, including academics, intellectuals, activists, journalists, artists, students, and members of civil society organizations. Some individuals or groups associated with leftist or progressive ideologies have been labelled as urban Naxals by their critics.
• While some individuals accused of being urban Naxals may have genuine concerns about social justice, human rights, or environmental issues, others may have ideological sympathies with Naxalism or engage in activities perceived as supporting or sympathizing with Naxalite groups.
• The term "urban Naxals" has generated controversy, with critics arguing that it is used by authorities to stifle dissent, target activists, and suppress legitimate political opposition under the guise of combating extremism.
• Critics of the concept argue that labelling dissenting voices or activists as urban Naxals undermines democratic principles, freedom of expression, and civil liberties. They contend that it is a politically motivated tactic to discredit and delegitimize progressive movements or critics of the government.
• There have been instances in India where individuals or activists accused of being urban Naxals have been arrested, charged under anti-terrorism laws such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and prosecuted by authorities. These cases have sparked concerns about due process, judicial independence, and human rights violations.
• The term "urban Naxals" has gained traction in public discourse and media narratives, with some sections of society viewing urban Naxals as a serious threat to national security and social stability. However, others criticize the concept as a tool to demonize dissent and suppress legitimate activism.

9. How does LWE impact the electoral process in India?

Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in India can have significant impacts on the electoral process, particularly in regions affected by Naxalism or Maoist insurgency. Some of these impacts include:

Voter Intimidation and Violence

• In areas where Naxalite groups hold sway, they may resort to voter intimidation, coercion, or violence to influence election outcomes. This can include threats against voters, attacks on polling stations, and targeting of political candidates or party workers who are perceived as opposing the Naxalite agenda.
• Fear of reprisals from Naxalite groups can deter voters from exercising their franchise, leading to low voter turnout in affected areas. This undermines the democratic process and can affect the legitimacy of election results.

Disruption of Electoral Activities

• Naxalite groups often target election-related activities, such as campaigning, voter registration drives, and polling operations, to disrupt the electoral process and undermine the authority of the state. They may use violence or sabotage to disrupt election rallies, destroy election materials, or block access to polling stations.
• Security concerns in Naxal-affected areas may necessitate the deployment of large numbers of security forces to ensure the safety of voters, candidates, and election officials, which can disrupt normal life and create a tense atmosphere during elections.

Influence on Political Dynamics

• Naxalite groups may seek to influence the electoral process by supporting sympathetic candidates or parties, either overtly or covertly. They may provide material support, including funding, manpower, or logistical assistance, to candidates who align with their ideology or interests.
• The presence of Naxalite violence and intimidation can also affect political campaigning and party strategies, with political parties often adjusting their approaches and priorities in response to security concerns in Naxal-affected areas.

Challenges for Electoral Administration

• Organizing elections in Naxal-affected regions poses logistical and security challenges for electoral authorities. Ensuring the safety and security of voters, candidates, and election officials is a major concern, requiring extensive coordination with security forces and local administration.
• Election officials may face difficulties in conducting voter registration, voter education campaigns, and polling operations in remote or insecure areas, which can affect the overall conduct of elections and the accuracy of voter participation data.