As violence declines and development reaches previously marginalised populations, the ideological and operational base of Naxalism continues to erode. While isolated pockets remain, India’s experience underscores that lasting peace is achieved not only through force, but through inclusive growth, trust-building, and governance delivery.
The Indian government has framed LWE eradication not merely as a security objective but as a holistic governance and development mission. Focused planning aims to transform historically neglected tribal regions—such as Bastar—into zones of inclusive growth, stability, and opportunity.
It may be recalled that Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), commonly known as Naxalism, emerged in India in 1967 as a Maoist-inspired movement rooted in socio-economic inequality, land alienation, and the marginalisation of tribal populations. Over time, it developed into a serious internal security challenge, spreading across the “Red Corridor” in central and eastern India and severely disrupting governance, development, and public safety.
At its peak, LWE affected more than 120 districts. In recent years, however, its influence has declined sharply due to a coordinated strategy combining strong security measures with focused development, rehabilitation, and community outreach.
LWE-affected districts reduced from 126 in 2014 to around a dozen core districts by 2025. Violent incidents and fatalities declined by over 80% during the past decade. Joint operations by Indian Central Armed Police Forces, state police, and specialised units dismantled Maoist bases and disrupted logistics. Neutralisation of senior Maoist leaders has weakened organisational command and operational capability.
Thousands of LWE ultras surrendered under rehabilitation policies, reducing insurgent manpower. Several previously affected districts have been declared Maoist-free.
Improved intelligence sharing, surveillance, and coordination among agencies have restricted insurgent mobility and financing. While security action reduced violence, development interventions addressed the root causes of extremism, limiting recruitment and local support.
There has been significant infrastructure Development in LWE Areas. This includes Road Requirement Plans (RRP-I and RRP-II) significantly expanded rural road networks, improving access to markets, schools, and healthcare; Mobile towers and digital connectivity were extended to remote forest regions, enabling service delivery and governance and Improved infrastructure strengthened administrative reach and security presence in previously inaccessible areas.
There has been targeted welfare schemes improved access to education, healthcare, housing, drinking water, and nutrition in tribal and remote areas. There has been financial inclusion through banking, postal services, and Direct Benefit Transfers reduced dependence on informal and extremist-linked economies.
Rehabilitation has been a critical pillar in weakening the insurgency. The surrender-cum-rehabilitation schemes provide financial assistance, vocational training, housing support, and employment opportunities to former militants. The state-level rehabilitation policies complement central schemes, focusing on long-term livelihood security and social reintegration. These measures encouraged defections, reduced violence, and demonstrated the government’s commitment to reconciliation and inclusion.
