Opinion | Union Government’s Comprehensive Strategy against Naxalism

The Union Government has transformed India’s counter-Naxal strategy through an integrated approach combining security, development, and rehabilitation. Moving away from fragmented responses of the past, the current government has adopted a unified plan rooted in “Dialogue, Security, and Coordination”. Authorities aim to make all affected districts Naxal-free by March 2026.

By focusing on the law enforcement, capacity building, and social integration, the renewed strategy has led to considerable reduction in the Naxal-related violence. Between 2014 and 2024, the insurgency-linked violence declined by at least 53%. As of October 2025, as many as 1,225 Naxals have surrendered, and more than 270 individuals have been killed.

Over the last decade, coordinated efforts of security forces and development initiatives have led to a sharp fall in Naxal-related violence.

Decline in Naxal-linked violence

Between 2004 to 2014, and 2014 to 2024, violent incidents dropped from 16,463 to 7,744, deaths of security personnel declined from 1,851 to 509, and civilian deaths decreased from 4,766 to 1,495.

In 2025, security forces carried out operations in which at least 270 Naxals were killed, and over 680 were arrested.

Major operations such as Operation Black Forest and large-scale surrenders in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra reflect growing confidence among former insurgents to shun the path of violence.

Reliance of technology in security applications

Union government’s emphasis on improving security infrastructure has been crucial. Since 2014, 576 fortified police stations have been built, and 336 new security camps have been established in the past six years.

The number of Naxal-affected districts has declined from 126 in 2014 to 18 in 2024, with only 6 now categorised as most-affected areas.

The current dispensation has also constructed 68 night-landing helipads to enhance mobility and operational efficiency.

Following this, the security agencies in the region are using advanced technologies for monitoring and analysis of Naxal activity.

The use of location tracking, mobile data analysis, scientific call log examination, and social media analysis are being adopted alongside drone surveillance, satellite imaging, and AI-based analytics. These tools have strengthened intelligence gathering and improved coordination.

Strategies to dismantle Naxal Finance Networks

Security apparatus use of coercive measures to dismantle financial networks supporting Naxalism has been critical in retrieving favorable results.

A special vertical within the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has seized assets of INR 40 crores, while the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has confiscated INR 12 crores. Additionally, states have seized properties worth another INR 40 crore.

Under the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme, INR 3,331 crore was released to Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected states over the past 11 years, marking a 155% increase over the previous decade.

The Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS) approved INR 991 crore for strengthening state special-forces and intelligence branches, along with construction of fortified police stations.

Capacity Building and State Support

From 2017 to 2018, projects of over INR 1,741 crore have been approved, with INR 445 crore released so far.

Under the Special Central Assistance (SCA) scheme, INR 3,769 crore was allocated to developmental projects in LWE districts.

Additionally, INR 122.28 crore was provided under Assistance to Central Agencies (ACALWEMS) for camp infrastructure and INR 12.56 crore for health facilities. Infrastructure development has played a key role in transforming affected areas.

In the past decade, over 12,000 km of roads were completed, with INR 20,815 crore approved for further works.

Mobile connectivity has expanded with 2,343 towers built in the first phase and 2,542 4G towers sanctioned in the second, of which more than 1,000 are operational.

Building Infrastructure

Financial inclusion has improved with 1,007 new bank branches, 937 ATMs, 37,850 banking correspondents, and 5,899 post offices serving 90 districts.

Under the Kaushal Vikas Yojana, INR 495 crore was sanctioned to set up 48 Industrial Training Institutes and 61 Skill Development Centres, creating livelihood opportunities for local youth.

On the law enforcement front, 108 cases have been investigated and 87 charge sheets filed. The Bastariya Battalion, formed in 2018 with 1,143 recruits including 400 youth from Bijapur, Sukma, and Dantewada, has become a symbol of community participation in security efforts.

Neutralising Naxal Network

Through intelligence-based operations, the government has reclaimed several areas that were previously under the Naxalite control. The “Trace, Target, Neutralise” strategy has helped identify and eliminate key leaders. Operations such as Octopus, Double Bull, and Chakrabandha led to the establishment of security camps in former strongholds.

Many areas like Budha Pahar, Parasnath, Baramsia, and Chakrabandha have been freed from extremist influence, while security forces have entered Abujhmaad for the first time in decades.

In 2024, at least 26 major counter-insurgency operations were carried out which led to removal of top cadres and neutralizing core groups. The People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) has been reportedly pushed out of its key zones in Bijapur and Sukma.

Government’s Rehabilitation Policy

The government’s Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy continues to encourage cadres to return to society. In 2025, as many as 521 cadres have surrendered, with 1,053 surrenders in Chhattisgarh in the past few years.

Rehabilitated cadres receive financial assistance of INR 2.5 lakh to INR 5 lakh and a monthly stipend of INR 10,000 for vocational training for 36 months. The Union Government’s integrated approach has set the foundation for making India free from Left-Wing Extremism in next five months.

While the fight against Naxalism has evolved into a comprehensive campaign rooted in security, development, and social justice. PM Modi-led government has transformed once-conflicted regions into hubs of opportunity.

With sustained momentum and cooperation between the Centre and States, India is well on course to achieve its goal of becoming Naxal-free by March 2026, a testament to a decade of decisive governance and unwavering commitment to peace and development.