A meeting of the Chief Ministers of states affected by Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), presided over by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh was held in New Delhi on May 8, 2017. In this meeting, Mr. Rajnath Singh announced SAMADHAN, a new strategy to wipe out left – wing terror.
- Other Govt. functionaries who attended the meeting included Ajit Doval – National Security Adviser, Rajiv Mehrishi – Union Home Secretary, Director of Intelligence Bureau, State Heads of Police Department and Heads of the Central Forces.
Components of SAMADHAN Strategy:
S – Smart Leadership: In LWE affected areas, a Smart Leadership is required that can boost the morale of jawans and reorient them towards victory. Central forces and local police department will work under a coordinated plan.
A – Aggressive Strategy: Aggression should be inculcated in thinking, operations and development of infrastructure which can be useful during combat. Rajnath Singh encouraged adopting a proactive strategy rather than a reactive strategy which is followed only after casualties.
M – Motivation and Training: Training based on careful analysis of enemy’s strengths and weaknesses should be provided to security forces. Adequate facilities to impart training should also be developed. Security forces should get acquainted with local culture and language to gel up with the locals.
A – Actionable Intelligence: An efficient intelligence network should be developed by involving locals and surrendered LWE cadre. “Shadow Intelligence Officers” should be deputed for tracking prominent LWE targets.
D – Dashboard KPIs and KRAs: Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Key Result Areas (KRAs) should be outlined for assessing the performance of state police and the central forces.
H – Harnessing Technology: To gain an edge, Mr. Singh recommended extensive use of technology such as high-resolution cameras, GPS tracking, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and satellite images.
A – Action Plan for each Theatre: As LWE is spread across vast geographical area spanning various states, a specific action plan for each front has to be prepared.
N – No access to financing: Mr. Singh mentioned that identifying and choking up the source of funds of LWE should be the ‘basic mantra’. Without access to finance, the LWE will weaken and will eventually get eliminated.
