The Centre's redefined strategy has put Naxalism on its last legs

The government's multipronged approach has led Naxals to lay down arms and reduced violence

- AMAR PATNAIK

In a recent interaction with security personnel in Chhattisgarh, India’s minister of home affairs Amit Shah reiterated the government’s commitment to eliminate left-wing extremism and violence, referred to as Naxalism, by March 2026. Naxalism has been a menace in this country since the Naxal Movement started in 1967.

Between 2014 and 2024, there has been a 53% decline in Naxal activity, as estimated by the Centre, which has said that the count of Naxal-affected districts has decreased from 128 to 18. The activity decline has led to a 73% drop in security personnel deaths and a 70% reduction in civilian casualties. This is a remarkable achievement, reflecting the Union government’s commitment to effectively extinguish Naxalism in India. Since law-and-order is a state subject, the role of state governments in this effort must also be appreciated.