Source: NIE
Subject: Security
Context: The Ministry of Home Affairs has introduced the concept of Legacy Thrust Territories to prevent the resurgence of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) after major operational gains against Naxalism.
About Centre designates Legacy Thrust Territories:
What it is?
- Legacy Thrust Territories are previously Naxal-affected districts identified by the Union Government for continued security presence and focused developmental intervention, even after major decline in insurgent activities.
- The framework ensures that gains achieved against Left Wing Extremism are not reversed.
Regions Designated:
- Earlier, nearly 200 districts were affected by LWE (around 2000).
- By 2025, the number declined to 38 districts.
- Currently, only 7 districts remain on the LWE list:
- 5 in Chhattisgarh
- 1 in Jharkhand
- 1 in Odisha
- These and other formerly affected districts are being brought under the Legacy Thrust framework for sustained monitoring.
Aim:
- Prevent resurgence of Naxalism after operational successes.
- Ensure smooth transition from security-led operations to governance-led development.
- Consolidate peace through infrastructure, administration, and socio-economic integration.
Key Features:
- Sustained Security Deployment: Continued presence of central forces to avoid security vacuums.
- Development Push: Focus on roads, telecom connectivity, governance delivery, and public services.
- Phased Redeployment: Gradual withdrawal/redeployment instead of abrupt exit.
- Centre–State Coordination: Joint strategy with operational freedom for security forces.
- Administrative Strengthening: Improving bureaucratic responsiveness in former conflict zones.
- Monitoring of Extremist Propaganda: Increased intelligence surveillance, including digital spaces.
- Rehabilitation Focus: Encouraging surrender of remaining cadres alongside targeted operations.
Significance:
- Prevents Relapse: Addresses historical risk of insurgency revival after security gains.
- Governance Consolidation: Bridges administrative gaps that extremists exploit.
