Status of Naxalism in India

Reference

Recent data from the Ministry of Home Affairs show a sharp decline in Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-induced violence across India, a significant shift in the decades-long Naxalite insurgency.

Rise of Naxalism

• Origin: Naxalbari rebellion (1967, West Bengal)
  • Demand for land redistribution, tribal rights and anti-state revolutionary politics inspired by Maoism.
• Spread: Tribal-dominated ‘Red Corridor’ (Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh).
• Peak: Early 2000s – Naxalites active in 223 districts of 20 states.

Causes of Naxalism

• Land acquisition and displacement of tribals due to mining, dams, industrial projects
• Weak governance and poverty in tribal areas
• Exploitation and lack of rights under forest laws
• Ideological mobilization for social justice and anti-state struggle

Reasons for decline in Naxalism

• Security measures: Coordinated operations like Operation Green Hunt, fortification of security camps, modern weapons, drones
• Development initiatives: Construction of roads, telecom, schools, health centres in LWE affected districts
• Surrender and rehabilitation policies: Incentives for ex-militants, livelihood schemes
• Community participation: Withdrawal of support to Naxalites by locals
• Political will: State-Centre coordination, National Investigation Agency (NIA) monitoring financial and urban Maoist networks

Current scenario

• LWE affected districts reduced from 223 (2008) to 45 (2023).
• Civilian and security personnel deaths at record low
• Violence is now mainly confined to parts of Bastar (Chhattisgarh) and Gadchiroli (Maharashtra).

Challenges

• Remaining Naxal strongholds with inaccessible terrain.
• Socio-economic problems (tribal land, displacement).

Solutions

• Security approach needs to be balanced with development and rights-based governance.
• A balanced ‘security, development and rights’ approach must be adopted to ensure permanent end to Naxalism and inclusion of tribal areas into mainstream governance.