I. Introduction
Policing in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas represents one of the most demanding internal security assignments in India. Police personnel deployed in these regions operate under constant threat, harsh terrain, psychological pressure, and prolonged separation from families. Unlike conventional law-and-order duties, counter-LWE operations involve asymmetric warfare, ideological confrontation, and sustained low-intensity conflict against highly motivated insurgent groups such as CPI (Maoist).
In such an environment, morale becomes a decisive operational factor. High morale enhances alertness, cohesion, discipline, and public conduct, while low morale leads to fatigue, indiscipline, poor decision-making, and vulnerability to ambushes and propaganda. Therefore, maintaining the morale of the police force in LWE areas is not a welfare issue alone—it is a strategic necessity.
II. Understanding the Operating Environment in LWE Areas
Nature of the Threat
LWE-affected regions are characterised by:
- Dense forests and hilly terrain
- Poor connectivity and infrastructure
- Hostile or intimidated local populations
- High intelligence penetration by extremists
- Constant risk of IEDs, ambushes, and sniping
Police personnel operate in conditions where the enemy is invisible but omnipresent, creating continuous psychological stress.
III. Prolonged Deployment and Isolation
Unlike short-term operational deployments, police units often remain posted in LWE areas for years. Extended separation from families, limited leave opportunities, and lack of recreational facilities gradually erode morale if not properly managed.
IV. Factors Affecting Police Morale in LWE Areas
- Operational Stress and Casualties
Frequent encounters, loss of colleagues, and injuries due to IEDs or ambushes leave deep psychological scars. Inadequate post-trauma care can result in fear, frustration, or emotional withdrawal.
- Perceived Lack of Recognition
When sacrifices go unacknowledged or bravery is not adequately recognised, personnel may feel undervalued. Delayed promotions, stagnation, or uneven reward systems negatively impact motivation.
- Inadequate Infrastructure and Logistics
Poor living conditions, lack of clean water, erratic power supply, insufficient medical facilities, and inadequate protective gear create a sense of neglect among the force.
- Hostile Information Environment
LWE propaganda routinely portrays police as oppressors. When such narratives go unchallenged, personnel may feel morally isolated and unfairly vilified.
- Family-Related Anxiety
Concerns about the safety, education, and well-being of families back home significantly affect concentration and mental resilience.
V. Importance of High Morale in Counter-LWE Operations
High morale directly contributes to:
- Better situational awareness
- Discipline and adherence to SOPs
- Willingness to engage with local communities
- Resistance to fear and propaganda
- Strong unit cohesion and trust
In counter-insurgency, a confident force is often more effective than a larger force.
VI. Strategies for Keeping Police Morale High in LWE Areas
- Strong and Empathetic Leadership
Leadership is the single most important determinant of morale.
2. a) Presence of Senior Officers
Regular field visits by senior officers boost confidence and convey institutional support. Leadership by example—sharing risks and hardships—creates trust.
2. b) Clear Communication
Personnel must understand:
- Mission objectives
- Operational constraints
- Strategic significance of their role
Clarity reduces anxiety and rumours.
3. Professional Training and Skill Confidence
Confidence in one’s skills reduces fear.
- Regular jungle warfare and IED awareness training
- Mock drills and rehearsals
- After-action reviews conducted constructively, not punitively
Well-trained personnel feel prepared rather than vulnerable.
4. Robust Welfare and Infrastructure Support
a) Living Conditions
Even basic improvements—clean barracks, reliable rations, sanitation, and power—have a disproportionate positive impact on morale.
b) Medical Support
- Forward medical posts
- Rapid evacuation protocols
- Tie-ups with tertiary hospitals
Knowing that injuries will be promptly and professionally treated reassures personnel.
5. Leave, Rotation, and Rest Policies
Continuous deployment without relief leads to burnout.
- Fixed tenure policies in LWE areas
- Mandatory rest and recuperation periods
- Transparent and humane leave management
Rotation is not a luxury; it is an operational requirement.
6. Psychological Support and Stress Management
Mental resilience must be treated with the same seriousness as physical fitness.
- Counselling sessions with trained professionals
- Peer-support groups within units
- Early identification of stress indicators
Normalising mental health support removes stigma and prevents breakdowns.
7. Recognition, Rewards, and Career Progression
a) Timely Recognition
Gallantry medals, commendation certificates, and public acknowledgment should be:
- Timely
- Transparent
- Merit-based
Recognition affirms that sacrifices matter.
b) Career Incentives
- Accelerated promotions
- Special allowances
- Preference in postings after tenure
These incentives reinforce institutional commitment.
8. Strengthening Unit Cohesion
In hostile environments, the unit becomes a surrogate family.
- Stable team compositions
- Joint training and briefing
- Celebrating festivals and achievements together
Strong bonds reduce fear and enhance mutual trust.
9. Family Outreach and Support Mechanisms
A personnel’s morale is inseparable from family well-being.
- Dedicated family liaison officers
- Support for education and healthcare of dependents
- Timely communication during emergencies
When families feel secure, personnel can focus fully on duty.
10. Ethical Policing and Moral Legitimacy
Personnel must feel morally justified in their mission.
- Clear rules of engagement
- Zero tolerance for human rights violations
- Institutional backing for lawful actions
Moral clarity strengthens inner confidence and public conduct.
- Countering LWE Psychological Warfare
LWE outfits deliberately target police morale through:
- Threats and intimidation
- False allegations
- Glorification of police casualties
The State must actively counter this through:
- Transparent communication
- Supportive media engagement
- Highlighting positive police-community interactions
VII. Role of Central and State Forces Coordination
Joint operations involving state police and central armed police forces such as Central Reserve Police Force require:
- Mutual respect
- Clear command structures
- Shared credit for success
Inter-force friction is a silent morale killer and must be addressed proactively.
VIII. Role of Development and Community Engagement
When policing is accompanied by visible development:
- Hostility reduces
- Cooperation increases
- Sense of purpose improves
Police participation in civic action programmes reinforces the idea that they are protectors, not occupiers.
IX. Measuring and Monitoring Morale
Morale should be systematically assessed through:
- Anonymous feedback mechanisms
- Interaction with unit commanders
- Monitoring indicators like absenteeism, indiscipline, and fatigue
Early intervention prevents long-term degradation.
X. Long-Term Institutional Reforms
Sustaining morale requires:
- Institutional memory of best practices
- Dedicated counter-insurgency cadres
- Policy continuity across political cycles
Morale cannot be managed episodically; it must be embedded in organisational culture.
Conclusion
Keeping the morale of the police force high in LWE-affected areas is not merely a welfare concern—it is a cornerstone of national internal security. Personnel deployed in these regions operate under extraordinary stress, facing an enemy that seeks not only physical casualties but psychological collapse.
A motivated, confident, and morally assured police force can withstand propaganda, endure hardship, and maintain professional conduct even in the most hostile environments. Through empathetic leadership, robust welfare systems, ethical operations, and meaningful recognition, the State can ensure that those who stand at the frontlines of the LWE challenge do so with courage, dignity, and unwavering morale.
In counter-insurgency, victory belongs not just to those who fight hardest, but to those who endure longest—and endurance is built on morale.
