HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Naxalism, also known as the Naxalite movement, is a far-left radical communist movement that originated in 1967 in the village of Naxalbari, West Bengal, hence the name. The movement was initiated by a faction of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) led by Charu Majumdar and Kanu Sanyal. The movement over the years spread to other parts of India, particularly in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Telangana. Naxalism has aimed to overthrow the Indian government through armed struggle and establish a communist state. The movement has primarily been active in the rural and tribal areas, where socio-economic disparities are most pronounced. Key events in the history of Naxalism include the Srikakulam peasant uprising, the formation of the People’s War Group, and the merger of Naxalite factions to form the Communist Party of India (Maoist). Despite numerous government efforts to curb the movement, it continued to pose a significant challenge to India’s internal security.
CAUSES OF NAXALISM
Naxalism in India has been driven by a complex interplay of socio-economic, political, and cultural factors. Socio-economic factors include widespread poverty, landlessness, and lack of access to basic services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Political factors include government policies that have failed to address the needs and aspirations of marginalized communities, leading to a sense of alienation and disenfranchisement. Corruption and inefficiency in the implementation of development programs have further exacerbated these issues. Cultural factors include the historical marginalization of tribal communities and their struggle for land rights and cultural autonomy. The Naxalite movement has capitalized on these grievances, positioning itself as a champion of the oppressed and advocating for radical socio-economic change.
IMPACT OF NAXALISM
Naxalism has had a profound impact on Indian society, economy, and politics. On the societal front, the movement has led to significant loss of life and displacement of communities, particularly in conflict-affected areas. Human rights violations by both Naxalites and security forces have been reported, leading to a climate of fear and insecurity. Economically, Naxalism has hindered development projects and economic activities in affected regions. Infrastructure projects such as roads, schools, and healthcare facilities have been targeted by Naxalites, disrupting development efforts. The movement has also deterred investment in these regions, further exacerbating poverty and underdevelopment. Politically, Naxalism has posed a challenge to the authority and legitimacy of the Indian state. The government’s response to Naxalism has included both military and developmental measures, but the effectiveness of these measures has been mixed. The movement has also influenced political discourse, with debates on issues such as land rights, tribal autonomy, and socio-economic justice gaining prominence.
GOVERNMENT RESPONSE
The Indian government’s response to Naxalism has evolved over the years, encompassing a mix of military, developmental, and political measures. Initially, the government’s approach was primarily focused on law enforcement and counter-insurgency operations. Special police forces and paramilitary units were deployed to combat Naxalite violence, and several Naxalite leaders were arrested or killed. However, it became increasingly clear that a purely military approach was insufficient to address the root causes of the movement. In response, the government launched various development programs aimed at improving socio-economic conditions in Naxalite-affected areas. These programs included initiatives to improve infrastructure, education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities. The government also sought to engage in dialogue with Naxalite groups, offering amnesty and rehabilitation to those willing to surrender. Despite these efforts, the effectiveness of the government’s response has been mixed, with periodic surges in Naxalite violence and ongoing challenges in implementing development programs.
TRI-PRONGED STRATEGY. A tri-pronged strategy with sincere earnest has been adopted by the Government of the day over past decade which has significantly curbed Naxalism. It involves good balance of political, military and developmental initiatives which have been implemented well by respective stakeholders. These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to eliminating Naxalism and bringing development to affected areas.
Political Initiatives
National Policy and Action Plan: The government approved the National Policy and Action Plan to address LWE in 2015, which involves a multi-pronged strategy including security measures, development interventions, and ensuring rights and entitlements of local communities.
Review Meetings and Coordination: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has chaired several review meetings on Left Wing Extremism (LWE) to ensure coordinated efforts between Central and State governments. A zero-tolerance approach to LWE has been adopted, resulting in a significant decline in violent incidents. Home Minister Amit Shah presented the prestigious ‘President’s Colour’ to the Chhattisgarh Police in Raipur on 14 Dec 24. He expressed confidence that Chhattisgarh will be completely free of Naxalism by March 31, 2026.
Targeting Leadership: The government has prioritized eliminating top Naxal leaders, who are often the strategic brains behind the movement. This approach involves placing significant bounties on their heads and intensifying operations to capture or neutralize them.
Rehabilitation and Surrender Policies: The government has also introduced rehabilitation and surrender policies to encourage Naxalites to lay down their arms and reintegrate into society. These policies offer financial incentives, vocational training, and support for housing and education to former Naxalites who surrender. The aim is to provide them with a viable alternative to violence and help them build a sustainable livelihood.
Military Initiatives
Increased Security Spending: The government has nearly tripled security spending over past decade in LWE-affected states, reaching Rs. 3,006 crore. The Ministry of Home Affairs has supported state governments by providing UAVs and drones for surveillance and helicopters for rapid response and medical evacuation. This has really boosted the capability, confidence and morale of security forces operating in such areas.
Tightening the Grid and Increased Neutralisation: From 2004 to 2014, only 66 fortified police stations were constructed. In the last decade, the present government has built 544 such stations. Since January 2024, a total of 237 Naxalites have been neutralized, 812 arrested, and 723 have surrendered in Chhattisgarh alone. On 22 Jan 25, in area between Metagudem and Duler villages in Chhattisgarh, 203 Cobra Bn and 131 CRPF Bn recovered huge stock of explosives and weapons in a joint operation.
Modernization of Police Forces: Funds have been provided under the Modernization of Police Force (MPF) scheme for training and equipping state police forces. Best of surveillance drones, counter IED equipment and weapon systems have been procured for police forces deployed for anti-Naxalite operations. The Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP 8×8) developed by DRDO and manufactured by Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) has been the game changer which has given an unprecedented edge to police forces operating in Naxal prone areas.
Intelligence Gathering: Enhanced intelligence operations have been crucial. The use of local recruits familiar with the terrain and community dynamics has improved the accuracy and effectiveness of these operations. Security forces have dismantled several high-tech Naxal training camps. These camps
were used to train Naxalites in guerrilla warfare, ambush tactics, explosive planting, and evasion
techniques.
Joint Operations: Coordinated efforts between state police forces and central paramilitary units, such as the CRPF, have led to successful large-scale operations. Special groups created by the state police forces like Greyhounds (Telangana), C-60 (Maharashtra), District Reserve Guards (Chhattisgarh), Hawk Force (Madhya Pradesh), Jaguars (Jharkhand), Special Operations Group (Odisha) and CoBRABns of CRPF are now being trained well and operating jointly through meticulously planned operations to target Naxalite strongholds.
Decline in LWE: Violent incidents in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas have dropped by 53%, from 16,463 cases between 2004 and 2014 to 7,700 in the last 10 years. The geographical spread of LWE violence has substantially reduced from 126 districts across 10 states in 2013 to only 38 districts in nine states by April 2024.
Development Initiatives
Improving infrastructure: The government is focusing on improving road connectivity, mobile connectivity, and financial connectivity in LWE-affected areas. These efforts aim to bring development to remote areas and tribal communities. Very recently a RCC of BRO has been inducted at Bijapur to construct two major roads to improve connectivity in this region.
Community Engagement: Engaging with local communities to gain their trust and support has been another critical component. This includes development initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, education, and healthcare in Naxal-affected areas.
Also major steps are being taken to promote tribal rights, protect forest resources, and ensure that development projects are implemented in a manner that respects the cultural and social fabric of the affected communities.
Aspirational District Programs: The Aspirational Districts Program, launched in 2018, focuses on transforming the most underdeveloped districts in the country by improving healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Additionally, the government has implemented schemes to provide employment opportunities, promote agricultural development, and ensure better access to basic services such as clean drinking water and sanitation.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the Indian government’s unwavering political will to end Naxalism in the Red Corridor involves a combination of security measures, development initiatives, rehabilitation policies, and community engagement. While there has been notable progress in reducing Naxalite violence, the complete eradication of the insurgency will depend on the continued implementation of these strategies and the ability to address the root causes of the movement. The target set by the government to make India Naxal-free by March 2026 is ambitious, but with sustained efforts and a whole of India approach, it is a goal that can be achieved.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry, retired after 40 years of service in Indian Army. During his last appointment as DGBR, he transformed the work culture of BRO by constant motivation and inspiration of rank and file through his hands on leadership skills, got GS budget allocation enhanced by 160% and accelerated the rate of project construction by 2.5 times. He brought in transparency, inclusivity and efficiency in procurement process through innovative use of GeM.
