Ramesh Sarraf
For over six decades, Naxalism has been a persistent challenge to India’s internal security, casting a shadow over the nation’s development and stability. Emerging in the late 1960s as a violent Left-Wing Extremist (LWE) movement, Naxalism has claimed thousands of lives, disrupted governance, and hindered progress in some of the country’s most underdeveloped regions. However, recent developments indicate that this scourge is on the verge of extinction. Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s bold announcement in Parliament, setting March 31, 2026, as the deadline for eradicating Naxalism, underscores the significant strides made by the Indian government. This article delves into the current state of Naxalism, the government’s multi-pronged strategy, statistical progress, and real-life examples that highlight the nearing end of this insurgency.
The Historical Context of Naxalism
Naxalism, rooted in the 1967 Naxalbari uprising in West Bengal, began as a peasant rebellion against systemic inequalities and exploitation. Over the decades, it evolved into a heavily armed insurgency, primarily affecting tribal and rural areas across states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh. At its peak, the Naxalite “Red Corridor” spanned 10 states, affecting an estimated 8 crore people, predominantly tribal communities.
The movement thrived in remote, underdeveloped regions where government presence was minimal. Naxalites established parallel administrations, running kangaroo courts and extorting locals, effectively undermining state authority. Between 2004 and 2014, Naxalism was responsible for 16,463 violent incidents, resulting in 1,851 security personnel and 4,766 civilian deaths. The audacity of Naxalite attacks was evident in high-profile incidents, such as the 2001 attack on Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and the 2013 massacre of Congress leaders in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh.
The Turning Tide: Government’s Zero-Tolerance Policy
The past decade, particularly under the Modi government, has marked a decisive shift in India’s fight against Naxalism. The central government’s zero-tolerance policy, combining robust security operations, developmental initiatives, and rehabilitation efforts, has significantly weakened the Naxalite ecosystem. According to the Union Home Ministry, the number of Naxal-affected districts has plummeted from 126 in 2014 to just 38 in 2024, with the most severely affected districts reduced from 12 to 6. These six districts—Bijapur, Kanker, Narayanpur, and Sukma in Chhattisgarh, West Singhbhum in Jharkhand, and Gadchiroli in Maharashtra—remain the last strongholds of Naxal activity.
Security Operations: Neutralizing the Threat
Security forces have intensified anti-Naxal operations, achieving remarkable success. In 2025 alone, 130 Naxalites were killed in encounters, with over 110 fatalities in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar division. Additionally, 105 Naxalites were arrested, and 164 surrendered. In 2024, the figures were even more striking: 290 Naxalites were neutralized, 1,090 arrested, and 881 surrendered. Over the past two years, 15 top Naxalite commanders have been eliminated, dealing a severe blow to the movement’s leadership.
The establishment of fortified police stations and security camps has been pivotal. From just 66 fortified police stations in 2014, the number has risen to 612 by 2024. In the last five years, 302 new security camps and 68 night-landing helipads have been constructed, enhancing operational capabilities in remote areas. These efforts have led to a 53% reduction in violent Naxal incidents, a 73% decrease in security personnel deaths (from 1,851 in 2004–2014 to 509 in 2014–2024), and a 70% drop in civilian casualties (from 4,766 to 1,495) over the same period.
Development as a Weapon
Parallel to security measures, the government has prioritized development in Naxal-affected areas to address the root causes of the insurgency—poverty, unemployment, and lack of infrastructure. Under the Special Central Assistance (SCA) scheme, the most affected districts receive Rs 30 crore annually, while districts of concern are allocated Rs 10 crore to bridge infrastructure gaps. Special projects tailored to local needs, such as schools, hospitals, and roads, are also funded.
These initiatives have eroded the Naxalites’ support base by winning over local communities. For instance, in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district, the construction of roads and mobile towers has improved connectivity, enabling better access to government services and markets. Similarly, in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum, skill development programs have empowered tribal youth, reducing their vulnerability to Naxal recruitment.
Rehabilitation and Surrender
The government’s surrender and rehabilitation policies have encouraged many Naxalites to abandon violence. In 2025, 164 Naxalites surrendered, following 881 in 2024. These surrenders are often facilitated by community outreach programs and assurances of livelihood support. A notable example is the case of Sukhdev, a former Naxal commander in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada district, who surrendered in early 2025. Sukhdev cited the government’s development projects and the futility of continued violence as reasons for his decision. He now works as a community liaison, encouraging others to surrender.
Live Examples of Progress
1. Bijapur, Chhattisgarh (April 2025 Encounter): In a major operation, security forces neutralized 12 Naxalites in Bijapur, including a top commander with a Rs 10 lakh bounty. The encounter disrupted a planned attack on a polling station, showcasing the proactive stance of security forces.
2. Gadchiroli, Maharashtra (Community Policing): The Gadchiroli police launched the “Gaon Chalo Abhiyan,” a community policing initiative that fosters trust between tribals and security forces. This program has led to increased intelligence sharing, resulting in the arrest of 15 Naxalites in 2025.
3. Sukma, Chhattisgarh (Development Impact): The construction of a 50-km road connecting Sukma to Jagargunda has transformed local life. Previously isolated villages now have access to markets and healthcare, reducing Naxal influence. Local resident Ramesh Kumar noted, “We no longer fear Naxalites; the government is here for us.”
The Emerging Challenge: Urban Naxalism
While rural Naxalism is waning, the rise of urban Naxalism poses a new challenge. Unlike its rural counterpart, urban Naxalism operates in cities, driven by intellectuals, academics, and activists who propagate anti-state narratives through social, cultural, and political platforms. This subtle form of extremism seeks to incite discontent and destabilize the system. The government has acknowledged this threat, with Home Minister Shah emphasizing the need for vigilance to prevent urban Naxalism from filling the void left by rural insurgency.
The Road Ahead
The decline of Naxalism is a testament to the government’s comprehensive strategy, blending security, development, and rehabilitation. The reduction in affected districts, the neutralization of key Naxalite leaders, and the surrender of hundreds of cadres signal the movement’s impending collapse. However, sustaining this progress requires continued investment in development, robust intelligence networks, and measures to counter urban Naxalism.
As India moves toward a Naxal-free future by March 31, 2026, the focus must remain on empowering affected communities and ensuring that the benefits of development reach the remotest corners. The sacrifices of 2,344 security personnel and 6,258 civilians over the past two decades underscore the urgency of this mission. With peace on the horizon, Naxal-affected regions stand poised for a new era of prosperity and stability, marking a significant victory for the Indian state and its people.
Note: Ramesh Sarraf, Freelance Journalist, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan
