Amit Shah Declares End of Naxalism in India by March 31, Credits Security Forces and Tribal Communities
Naxalism Era (1967 – 20260) nears Closure, Says Amit Shah in Lok Sabha
After decades of prolonged counter-insurgency operations marked by numerous encounters and sacrifices by security personnel, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced in the Lok Sabha that Naxalism in India has nearly been eradicated.
Addressing the House under Rule 193, Shah declared March 31 as a historic date marking the effective end of the Naxalite movement in the country.
The Union Minister stated that the long-standing chapter of unrest in Naxal-affected regions is now drawing to a close due to the firm policy and determined political will of the government.
He paid tribute to personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), other Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), state police units, and members of tribal communities who played a crucial role in the fight against left-wing extremism.
According to Shah, the government’s consistent approach ensured that areas once known as the “Red Corridor,” spanning 12 states and covering nearly 70 per cent of the affected geographical belt, are now almost entirely free from Naxalite influence.
He stated that by 2024, most regions in Bihar, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Jharkhand had already been cleared of insurgent activity, while the remaining pockets in Chhattisgarh were targeted with a deadline of March 31, 2026.
Providing statistics on recent progress, Shah informed the House that between 2024 and 2026, security forces neutralised 706 Naxalites, arrested 2,218 insurgents, and facilitated the surrender of 4,839 cadres.
He further claimed that the core committees of Maoist organisations have been dismantled, significantly weakening the operational capacity of the insurgency.
Government Credits Policy Resolve for Succes
The Home Minister attributed the decline of Naxalism to decisive governance and coordinated security efforts after 2014.
He argued that the spread of Naxalism was not primarily due to poverty or lack of development but was driven by ideological motivations rooted in left-wing extremism.
Shah criticised previous governments, particularly those led by Congress, for allegedly allowing the movement to expand over decades.
He emphasised that constitutional methods remain the only legitimate means to address grievances, stating that rights cannot be secured through armed rebellion.
According to Shah, areas such as Bastar, once considered epicentres of Maoist activity, are now witnessing development initiatives after years of violence and disruption.
Shah highlighted that geographical factors also contributed to the spread of insurgency, as remote forested and hilly regions created conditions that allowed extremist groups to influence tribal populations.
He said many tribal communities were misled into taking up arms due to limited state presence in earlier decades.
Policy of Dialogue Only After Surrender
Reiterating the government’s position, Shah stated that dialogue is possible only with those who renounce violence. He said the administration has repeatedly offered rehabilitation packages for those willing to surrender, but maintained that armed attacks on security forces will be met with a firm response.
The Home Minister also referred to the historical origins of Maoist ideology, stating that foreign revolutionary doctrines influenced left-wing extremist movements in India. He claimed that the formation of CPI (ML) in 1969 marked the beginning of an organised armed resistance to parliamentary democracy.
Shah concluded by asserting that the decline of Naxalism represents the resolution of a decades-old internal security challenge, crediting security forces, specialised units such as the CoBRA battalion, state police forces, and local tribal populations for their combined efforts in restoring stability to affected regions.
- The Naxalite movement began in 1967 in Naxalbari after a peasant uprising against landlords.
- The rebellion was inspired by Maoist ideology advocating armed revolution.
- Leaders like Charu Majumdar and Kanu Sanyal played key roles.
- The Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) was formed.
- The movement rejected parliamentary democracy and supported armed struggle.
- Naxalite influence expanded into remote tribal regions of central and eastern India.
- Activity increased in areas like Bastar and Dandakaranya.
- Groups mobilised tribal populations, citing land rights and exploitation issues.
1980 – Formation of People’s War Group
- The People’s War Group (PWG) was formed in Andhra Pradesh, intensifying armed operations.
- Guerrilla warfare tactics began targeting police and state institutions.
- 2004 – Formation of CPI (Maoist)
- Major insurgent groups merged to form the Communist Party of India (Maoist).
- The insurgency spread across the “Red Corridor”, covering parts of 10–12 states.
- The government launched a major coordinated offensive, popularly known as Operation Green Hunt.
- Central Armed Police Forces, including the Central Reserve Police Force, intensified anti-Naxal operations.
2010 – Dantewada Attack
- One of the deadliest attacks occurred in Dantewada, where 76 CRPF personnel were killed in an ambush by Maoists.
- The incident highlighted the scale of the insurgency.
2014–2020 – Intensified Counter-Insurgency Strategy
- Increased focus on security operations, infrastructure development, mobile connectivity, and welfare schemes in affected areas.
- Special forces such as the CoBRA battalion conducted targeted missions.
2021–2024 – Decline of Red Corridor Influence
- Several districts previously classified as highly affected saw a reduction in violence.
- Many cadres surrendered under rehabilitation policies.
2024–2026 – Final Phase of Operations
- Security forces intensified operations in the remaining pockets of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and adjoining regions.
- According to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, major Maoist leadership structures were dismantled.
- March 31, 2026, was declared a symbolic deadline marking the near end of Naxalism as an organised armed movement.
The Naxalite movement began as a peasant uprising in 1967 and evolved into one of India’s longest internal security challenges. Over decades, the conflict saw cycles of expansion, violent encounters, and large-scale security responses. By 2026, government data indicates a significant decline in Maoist activity, signalling what authorities describe as the closing chapter of the insurgency.
