Context:

On 28 September 2025, Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed “Naxal Mukt Bharat: Ending Red Terror Under Modi’s Leadership”, summit held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The summit was organised under the aegis of the Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation (SPMRF).

About Naxalism:

• • Naxalism refers to a far-left radical communist movement in India that seeks to overthrow the government through armed struggle, based on Maoist ideology. It is also known as Left-Wing Extremism (LWE).
  • The term “Naxalism” is derived from Naxalbari, a village in West Bengal, where a peasant uprising led by Charu Majumdar and Kanu Sanyal began in 1967. The movement initially aimed at fighting feudal oppression and land injustice through armed rebellion.

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. 

Development Initiatives:

·        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.

Security Operations:

·        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.

Legal and Governance Framework:

·        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.

Progress Made So Far:

·        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.

Conclusion:

The National Summit on “Naxal Mukt Bharat” reflects India’s firm resolve to end Left-Wing Extremism by March 2026 through a mix of strong security, inclusive development, and community participation. Continued coordination between the Centre and states, along with the empowerment of affected communities, will be key to making India free from the threat of Naxalism.