Context:

22 Maoists with a cumulative bounty of ₹37.5 lakh surrendered before security forces in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district on July 11, 2025. The Maoists, active in the Abhujmad forest region, belonged to the Kutul, Nelnar, and Indravati area committees of CPI (Maoists) Maad division. This is major achievement under the banner "Naxalmukt Bharat Abhiyan" targets complete elimination by March 31, 2026.

About Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India:

Left Wing Extremism (LWE), also known as Naxalism, is a significant internal security challenge in India. The movement, rooted in socio-economic inequalities and fueled by Maoist ideology, has historically affected remote, underdeveloped, and tribal-dominated regions.

•  LWE is ideologically driven by Maoist principles, advocating for armed struggle to overthrow the state and address socio-economic disparities. The movement originated from the 1967 Naxalbari uprising in West Bengal. 
•  LWE primarily affects the "Red Corridor," encompassing states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, and parts of Madhya Pradesh. 

Causes and Impact:

•  Socio-economic inequalities: LWE is driven by disparities in income, education, and healthcare, particularly in rural and tribal areas.
•  Maoist ideology: The movement aims to overthrow the Indian state through armed rebellion and parallel governance structures.
•  Violence and instability: LWE has resulted in significant violence, displacement, and instability in affected areas.

Government Strategy:

• National Policy and Action Plan (2015): A multi-pronged strategy combining security enforcement, development interventions, and community engagement.
• Security-related measures: Deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), setting up of Counter Insurgency and Anti-Terrorism (CIAT) schools, and modernization of state police forces.
• Development initiatives: Expansion of road network, improvement of telecommunication connectivity, skilling, and financial inclusion.

Achievements:

• Reduction in LWE-affected districts: From 126 districts in April 2018 to 38 districts in April 2024.
•  Decline in violence: Incidents of violence have reduced by 81% since 2010, with 374 incidents reported in 2024.
• Surrenders and neutralization: Over 8,000 Naxalites have surrendered in the last 10 years, and 90 Naxalites were killed, 104 arrested, and 164 surrendered in 2024.

Conclusion:

This surrender is more than a tactical victory—it is a testament to the success of our inclusive approach, blending force with reform and outreach with opportunity." With the Chhattisgarh government and central forces continuing their dual strategy of security enforcement and socio-economic upliftment, the vision of a “Naxalmukt Bharat” by March 2026 is increasingly within reach.