Paper: GS-III, Subject: Internal Security, Topic: Naxalism or Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), Issue: The Naxal movement
Context:
A major anti-Naxal operation in Chhattisgarh led to the death of 27 Maoists, including top leader Basavaraju, marking a key moment in the government’s anti-insurgency efforts.
Background:
- Basavaraju: General Secretary, CPI (Maoist), key ideologue and strategist. Killed in an encounter in Bastar, Chhattisgarh (Abujhmad area).
- Significance: Marks a milestone in counter-insurgency strategy. Government aims to eliminate Naxalism by March 2026.
Location and Context:
- The encounter took place in the Abhujmad area, a dense and largely uncharted jungle region that spans Narayanpur, Dantewada, and Bijapur districts.
- The operation followed a 50-hour search based on intelligence inputs about the presence of Central Committee members and senior cadres of the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA).
About Naxalism
- Naxalism or Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) is one of the major challenges to India’s internal security.
- Naxal affected areas in India are known as the ‘Red Corridor’.
- Reason for Naxalism: Naxalites seek to overthrow the State through violent means.
- They openly proclaim lack of faith in the democratic means of ballot and adhere to the violence as a means of achieving their ends.
- Initial Stage: The Naxal movement started with the tribal-peasant uprising against landlords in Naxalbari village of Darjiling district, West Bengal in 1967.
- In 2014, 126 districts in 10 states were classified as the most affected. In early 2025, this count is down to 12, the majority being in Bastar.
Presence of Maoists in India
- The States of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Orissa and Bihar are considered severely affected.
- The States of West Bengal, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh are considered partially affected.
- The States of UP and MP are considered slightly affected.
- The CPI(Maoist) are making forays into Southern States of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and planning to link up the Western Ghats to the Eastern Ghats through these states.
Naxalism in India: Causes and Challenges
Naxalism in India: Government Measures
Recommendations
- Address socio-economic issues to reduce support for Naxalism.
- Improve intelligence and coordination among agencies.
- Balance security operations with human rights considerations.
- Enhance resources for effective counterinsurgency operations.
Naxalism, once a major internal security threat in India, has significantly weakened in recent years due to sustained security operations, better intelligence, and development efforts. However, complete eradication requires continued vigilance, addressing tribal grievances, and inclusive governance in affected regions.
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