Context:
On September 15, 2025, anti-Naxal operation in Jharkhand's Hazaribagh district resulted in the killing of three Maoist militants, with bounties totaling ₹1.35 crore. The operation, conducted by the CRPF’s CoBRA battalion in coordination with Jharkhand police, marks a decisive moment in the fight against Naxal insurgency in the region.
About Naxalism:
Naxalism, also referred to as Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), has been a significant internal security challenge for India since its inception in 1967.
· Originating in Naxalbari, West Bengal, as a peasant uprising led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (CPI-ML), the movement sought to address socio-economic inequalities, land disputes, and tribal rights issues.
· The insurgency, which thrives in the 'Red Corridor'—a region spanning parts of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, and Maharashtra, continues to draw support from marginalized communities.
· The movement’s goals often intersect with grievances over underdevelopment, poverty, and the marginalization of indigenous tribal populations.
India’s Strategy to Eliminate Naxalism:
India has employed a multi-pronged strategy to eliminate Left-Wing Extremism, blending security measures with socio-economic development and community empowerment. Key initiatives include:
Development Initiatives:
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- Road Connectivity (PMGSY-II): Improving access to remote tribal areas, enabling both development and better security operations.
- Eklavya Model Residential Schools: Expanding educational opportunities for tribal children to combat long-standing socio-economic disparities.
- Mobile Connectivity (USOF/Digital Bharat Nidhi): Reducing isolation and enhancing governance in tribal areas through improved mobile and internet access.
- Road Connectivity (PMGSY-II): Improving access to remote tribal areas, enabling both development and better security operations.
Security Operations:
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- Operation Green Hunt: A large-scale paramilitary operation aimed at dismantling Naxalite strongholds across the country.
- Operation Black Forest: Operation Black Forest is a military operation conducted by Indian security forces against Naxalite insurgents in areas located between the states of Chhattisgarh and Telangana. The operation began on 21 April 2025.
- Deployment of Specialized Units: Forces like the CRPF's CoBRA battalion and Greyhounds are specially trained in guerrilla warfare and jungle operations, providing a tactical advantage in Naxal-affected areas.
- Operation Green Hunt: A large-scale paramilitary operation aimed at dismantling Naxalite strongholds across the country.
Legal and Governance Framework:
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- Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA): Allows the government to ban Naxalite groups and prosecute their members.
- Forest Rights Act (2006): Aims to reduce tribal alienation by recognizing their traditional rights over forest resources.
- PESA Act (1996): Empowers Gram Sabhas in Scheduled Areas, giving local communities more control over natural resources and governance.
- Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA): Allows the government to ban Naxalite groups and prosecute their members.
Progress Made So Far:
Recent data from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the CRPF paints an optimistic picture regarding the fight against Naxalism:
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- The number of Naxal-affected districts has reduced from 126 in 2014 to just 18 in 2025.
- The most severely affected districts have dropped from 35 to 6.
- Violent incidents fell from 1,080 in 2014 to just 374 in 2024.
- Security personnel deaths have decreased from 287 in 2014 to just 19 in 2024.
- The number of Naxal-affected districts has reduced from 126 in 2014 to just 18 in 2025.
Conclusion:
The elimination of these key Maoist leaders is expected to disrupt the operations of the Naxal movement significantly. With 18 districts currently affected by armed Maoist insurgency in India, the government aims to eradicate Naxalism by March 2026.
