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The Government of India, has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), commonly referred to as Naxalism. The Central Government has set a target to make India Naxal-free by March 2026, a goal backed by integrated security, developmental, and governance strategies.

Current Status and Achievements

Recent operations in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur and Kanker districts led to the neutralization of 22 Naxalites, highlighting the success of the ongoing ‘Naxalmukt Bharat Abhiyan’. In 2025 alone, 90 Naxalites were killed, 104 arrested, and 164 surrendered. In 2024, these figures stood at 290 neutralized, 1,090 arrested, and 881 surrendered. Additionally, 15 top Naxal leaders have been eliminated.

There has been a 53% decline in Naxal-related incidents, from 16,463 cases (2004–14) to 7,744 (2014–24). Casualties among security forces have dropped by 73%, and civilian deaths by 70% in the same period. Fortified police stations increased from 66 (2014) to 612 (2024). The number of Naxal-affected districts has drastically reduced from 126 to 12, indicating a marked shrinkage in the Red Corridor.

India’s Multi-Pronged Approach

The National Policy and Action Plan to Address LWE (2015) guides the Centre’s counter-Naxal efforts through three pillars: security enhancement, development outreach, and ensuring rights and entitlements.

• Security Operations:
  • Major operations like Operation Green Hunt deploy Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), CoBRA commandos, and state-level forces like Greyhounds (Andhra Pradesh).
  • 302 new security camps and 68 night landing helipads have been established in vulnerable regions for better mobility and reach.
• Development Initiatives:
  • Under PMGSY-II, the Road Connectivity Project for LWE Areas improves access to remote villages.
  • 130 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) ensure tribal children receive quality education.
  • The ROSHNI Scheme and establishment of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) provide skill development and livelihood avenues to tribal youth.
  • The Universal Service Obligation Fund (now Digital Bharat Nidhi) has led to widespread mobile tower installation in forested areas.
  • Tribal Youth Exchange Programs promote national integration and awareness among tribal youth.
• Legal and Institutional Measures:
  • The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA) bans CPI (Maoist) and affiliated organizations.
  • Forest Rights Act (2006) and PESA (1996) aim to protect tribal land and forest rights.
  • Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation policies provide financial aid, vocational training, and reintegration support.

Understanding Naxalism

Naxalism, rooted in the 1967 uprising in Naxalbari (West Bengal), is a Maoist-inspired insurgency seeking to overthrow the Indian state through armed rebellion. Factors contributing to its rise include landlessness, tribal alienation, poverty, displacement from mining and industrial projects, and state neglect. The insurgency remains concentrated in the “Red Corridor” encompassing Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Bihar.

Conclusion

India’s counter-Naxal policy demonstrates that a balanced approach combining firm security enforcement with development and governance reforms can significantly curb insurgency. Continued emphasis on inclusive growth and tribal empowerment remains crucial to achieving lasting peace in affected regions.