New Delhi: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah, while addressing the valedictory session of ‘Bharat Manthan-2025: Naxal Mukt Bharat – Ending Red Terror Under Modi’s Leadership’ in New Delhi, declared a decisive milestone in India’s ongoing campaign against Left-Wing Extremism. He paid respects to the countless victims of Naxalite violence since the 1960s and emphasized the government’s commitment to eradicating Naxalism from the country by March 31, 2026.
Understanding the Roots of Naxalism
Amit Shah challenged claims that Naxalism arose out of developmental neglect, asserting instead that the spread of Left-wing extremism has been primarily fueled by revolutionary ideology and armed rebellion—not lack of development. He described how Naxalite violence has hindered progress in affected areas, with contractors, schools, and road projects being actively targeted by insurgents. He accused those providing ideological, legal, and financial support to Naxalites of prolonging the conflict, making it clear that the movement’s aim is to perpetuate a Leftist ideology rejected worldwide, not to help tribals.
Milestones in the Fight Against Naxalism
Shah traced the history of Naxalism from its rise in the early 1970s to its consolidation in the early 2000s, when the CPI (Maoist) emerged as the prime umbrella organization. The so-called Red Corridor once covered 17% of Indian territory and affected over 120 million people. The minister highlighted key hotspots—Jammu & Kashmir, the Northeast, and the Red Corridor—that have long troubled India’s internal security, noting the Modi government’s shift to a unified, targeted approach since 2014.
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By March 2026, armed Naxalism will be eradicated.
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Surrenders and arrests far outnumber neutralizations; in 2025, 1,225 surrendered, 680 were arrested, and 270 neutralized.
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Major operations such as Operation Black Forest have decimated Naxalite strongholds, with 27 hardcore militants killed at Karregutaa Hills and 24 in Bijapur.
Policy Shifts and Force Coordination
Shah detailed a significant transformation in how the government approaches internal security. Instead of a scattered, incident-based response, the Ministry of Home Affairs now manages coordinated campaigns with clarity of command among state police and central agencies. Emphasis on intelligence sharing, forensic investigation, social-media analysis, and supply chain blockade has severely weakened Naxal networks.
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90% of Naxalite arms supply blocked post-2019.
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336 new CAPF camps and 576 fortified police stations set up in the last 10 years.
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SRE and SIS schemes released ₹3,331 crore for state capacity building, resulting in significant reductions in violence: 73% fewer security forces killed and 74% fewer civilian deaths (2014–2024 vs. 2004–2014).
Development Efforts in Extremist-Hit Regions
The government has prioritized the restoration of governance and delivery of essential services in Naxal-affected regions. Between 2014 and 2024, 12,000 kilometers of roads were built, thousands of mobile towers installed, and hundreds of schools and health centers opened. Shah emphasized that violence and the governance vacuum, not neglect, stopped development from reaching these areas.
Broader Security Achievements: J&K and the Northeast
Amit Shah highlighted policy successes beyond the Red Corridor, including in Jammu & Kashmir and the Northeast. The abrogation of Article 370 and developmental projects have reduced violent incidents and deaths in these regions by up to 85% since 2014. The government’s focus on dialogue, development, and mainstreaming has brought substantial peace agreements, reintegrating thousands of former insurgents.
Conclusion
Shah reiterated that the Modi government’s strategy combines compassion for those who choose to surrender with a firm resolve to counter armed rebellion. With record surrenders, fewer affected districts, and increased infrastructure, Shah projected the country will be Naxal-free by March 2026, fulfilling the government’s security and developmental vision.
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Source: PIB
