Paper: GS – III, Subject: Internal Security, Topic: Left wing Extremism, Issue: Trajectory of Naxalism.
Context:
Making predictions in politics and insurgency is difficult as uncertainty has increased with AI. Naxalism (Left-Wing Extremism) once posed a severe internal security threat to India is in decline, though not officially declared eliminated.
Key Highlights:
Historical Background:
- Inspired by global revolutionary leaders (Charu Mazumdar, Kanu Sanyal, etc.).
- Movement initially urban-based, later spread to forested/tribal belts of central India.
- Later degenerated into mindless violence and fragmented factions.
Evolution of Naxalism:
Early zeal was ideological inclined towards Marxist-Leninist principles.
Later, violence became disconnected from ideology, focusing on extortion, intimidation, survival.
Movement lost urban intellectual support base, confined mainly to Bastar (Chhattisgarh), parts of Odisha, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh.
Current Decline:
- Sustained offensive government campaign since 2024 under Union Home Ministry led to thousands being eliminated/arrested and reduced violent incidents in most-affected states.
- Naxalite violence incidents reduced by over 80% from 2010 to 2023 (MHA report).
Reasons for decline:
Challenges Ahead:
- Though weakened, residual violence persists in Bastar region.
- Some groups retain ability to strike and intimidate.
- Persistence of socio-economic grievances in tribal areas may give space for revival.
Way Forward:
- Insurgency movements without popular backing inevitably decline.
- Importance of combining security measures with governance, development, and social justice.
- Need to avoid complacency towards unresolved tribal issues and alienation can rekindle extremism.
Conclusion:
Insurgency without ideology or popular support eventually becomes a hollow force. Multi-pronged approach based on security + development + governance is needed to root out the problem.
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