India’s prolonged and intricate struggle against Naxalism, once regarded as one of the gravest internal security challenges, has now reached a decisive juncture.
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India’s prolonged and intricate struggle against Naxalism, once regarded as one of the gravest internal security challenges, has now reached a decisive juncture. For decades, Naxalism spread across extensive regions, undermining governance, hindering development, and resulting in significant loss of life. Today, however, the country stands on the verge of eliminating this threat, a transformation shaped by firm political leadership, strategic clarity, and coordinated execution under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and guided by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
At the core of this progress lies a fundamental shift in strategy. The Union Home Ministry’s zero-tolerance policy blending strong security operations with comprehensive development measures has effectively reduced the once-expansive “Red Corridor” into limited pockets, mainly within parts of Chhattisgarh. At its peak, Naxalism impacted 126 districts across multiple states, covering nearly 17% of India’s geographical area and affecting around 120 million people (approximately 10% of the population). The envisioned corridor stretching from Pashupati (Nepal) to Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh) represented a formidable challenge, often surpassing other sensitive regions such as Kashmir (1% of territory affected) and the Northeast (3.3%). Violent incidents had reached alarming levels in earlier years, with thousands of casualties among civilians, security forces, and insurgents. The goal of a Naxal-free India was transformed into a concrete operational mission when Amit Shah set a clear deadline: complete eradication by March 31, 2026. This declaration reflected not just political intent, but a confidence rooted in tangible progress and a defined roadmap.
A major indicator of this success is the significant reduction in the geographical spread of Naxalism. From affecting 126 districts in 2014, the number has fallen sharply to just 11 by December 2025, while the most severely affected districts have declined from 36 to only 3. As of December 2025, Naxalism remains largely confined to Sukma, Bijapur, and Narayanpur districts in Chhattisgarh. This contraction signifies not merely territorial loss, but a deeper breakdown of operational capabilities and ideological influence. Violence has also seen a steep decline: incidents dropped by 89% from a peak of 1,936 in 2010, while deaths (including civilians and security personnel) reduced by 91% from 1,005 in 2010 to significantly lower figures in recent years. Between 2004 to 2014 and 2014 to 2024, violent incidents decreased by around 30%, while civilian and security personnel deaths fell by 73–74%, demonstrating enhanced operational effectiveness and improved protection strategies. High-profile operations have further weakened the movement, eliminating key figures including the CPI (Maoist) general secretary and several members of its top leadership.
This transformation is the result of a multi-dimensional strategy implemented by the Home Ministry. Security operations were intensified through coordinated efforts involving central forces such as the CRPF, state police units, and intelligence-led missions like Operation Octopus and Double Bull. The expansion of the Camp Approach, strengthening of police infrastructure, and targeted actions against Maoist leadership, finances, and supply chains marked a shift from containment to dismantling. Enhanced intelligence networks, better Centre-state coordination, and the establishment of forward operating bases ensured a sustained state presence even in remote regions. The integration of technology including drones and advanced surveillance significantly improved operational accuracy, allowing forces to penetrate dense forest areas that once served as insurgent strongholds. This proactive posture ensured that Maoist groups were continuously under pressure, with no safe havens remaining. Complementing this was the SAMADHAN framework, which emphasized Smart leadership, Aggressive strategy, Motivation and training, Actionable intelligence, Dashboard-based monitoring, Harnessing technology, Theatre-specific planning, and choking financial resources.
Equally significant in this approach has been the strong emphasis on development. Recognizing that security measures alone cannot eliminate insurgency, the government simultaneously addressed the socio-economic roots of Naxalism. Infrastructure development became central, with roads, bridges, and connectivity projects transforming previously isolated regions. Over 6,500 mobile towers were installed, greatly improving communication access. Expansion of banking networks, post offices, and financial inclusion initiatives ensured that economic benefits reached remote populations. Welfare schemes targeting housing, healthcare, education, and livelihoods focused on last-mile delivery. Programs such as Special Central Assistance, Security Related Expenditure schemes, and the Aspirational Districts Programme helped bridge regional disparities. Skill development and employment initiatives provided viable alternatives for youth who might otherwise be drawn toward extremism. Livelihood generation efforts, including rural employment and vocational training, further integrated local communities into the mainstream economy. The combined force of security and development has reshaped the Red Corridor, with regions once marked by violence now experiencing improved governance, connectivity, and economic activity. This shift has also weakened recruitment, as the appeal of insurgency continues to diminish.
With this sustained momentum, India is moving steadily toward its target of achieving a Naxal-free status by March 31, 2026. The outcome reflects a comprehensive and layered strategy, one that integrates security, development, and inclusive growth driving stability and prosperity in historically affected tribal regions.
Bagmita Borthakur (PhD Research Scholar, BITS Pilani)
Bishaldeep Kakati (Advocate, Gauhati High Court)