Naxal-Free
India
Prelims:
Internal Security
Mains:
GS Paper III-Internal Security
Current relevance:
India has
achieved the historic milestone of becoming effectively free from Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), with no district remaining LWE-affected.
Highlights:
Background:
1.
Left-Wing
Extremism originated from the Naxalbari
uprising in West Bengal in 1967,
inspired by Maoist ideology, and evolved into one of India's most serious
internal security challenges.
2.
Over time, several extremist
organisations merged to form the CPI (Maoist) in 2004, making it India's
biggest internal security challenge.
3.
The period from 2004 to 2014
witnessed the highest levels of LWE violence, with incidents peaking in 2010,
making it one of the most violent phases in the history of Naxalism.
Three-Pronged Strategy:
1.
The transformation was achieved through
an integrated strategy focusing on security operations, infrastructure
expansion, rehabilitation of surrendered cadres, tribal welfare, and improved
governance.
2. In
2015, the Government adopted the National Policy and Action
Plan to address LWE, replacing the earlier fragmented approach with a
coordinated strategy combining security measures and socio-economic
development.
Integration of Elite Forces:
1.
A specialised and integrated security
architecture was established by bringing together CoBRA (Commando Battalion
for Resolute Action), CRPF, District Reserve Guard (DRG), Special Task Force
(STF), Jharkhand Jaguar, Chhattisgarh Police units, and Andhra Pradesh's Greyhounds
to strengthen counter-LWE operations.
2. Joint
training and coordinated operations among these elite forces enhanced interoperability,
operational efficiency, and a unified command structure for combating
Left-Wing Extremism.
Technology:
i.
After 2014, the Central Government
modernised counter-Naxal operations by leveraging advanced technologies such as
UAVs, drones, satellite imagery, AI-based analytics, location tracking, and
mobile data analysis, enabling real-time surveillance, intelligence
gathering, and improved operational efficiency.
Operations:
i. A series of coordinated operations,
including Operation Black Forest, Operation Octopus, Operation Double Bull,
Operation Thunderstorm, Operation Bhimbarg, and Operation Chakrabandha,
significantly weakened Maoist networks.
ii. Operation Black Forest emerging as a major breakthrough by dismantling a key Maoist stronghold and leading to a sharp increase in arrests and surrenders.
Success
under 'Nayi Disha, Nayi Pahal':
i.
Recent
developments have highlighted the success
of the combined strategy of sustained
security operations and rehabilitation. Under the 'Nayi Disha, Nayi Pahal' anti-Naxal campaign, 16 active Maoists from the Kolhan and Latehar
regions surrendered in Ranchi on 28 July 2026.
Infrastructure
for Inclusive Growth:
ii.
Infrastructure-Led
Development
The Government complemented security measures
with infrastructure
development, improved connectivity, and enhanced governance outreach to integrate remote tribal regions into the
mainstream of development.
iii.
Road Connectivity
Road infrastructure was strengthened under the
Road Requirement
Plan (RRP) and the Road Connectivity Project for LWE Affected Areas (RCPLWEA) to improve connectivity in affected regions.
iv.
Digital & Mobile Connectivity
Expansion of telecom infrastructure and mobile connectivity bridged the digital divide, improved access
to education, healthcare, online services, and created new economic
opportunities for tribal communities.
v.
Financial Inclusion
Financial inclusion was strengthened through
the expansion of banking services, ATMs, banking correspondents, and post offices, improving access to formal financial services
in LWE-affected districts.
vi.
Education & Skill Development
The Government expanded Eklavya Model Residential
Schools (EMRS), Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), Skill Development
Centres (SDCs) and
vocational training to enhance education, employability, and livelihood
opportunities for tribal youth.
vii.
Tribal Youth Exchange Programme (TYEP)
The Tribal Youth Exchange Programme (TYEP)
promotes national
integration, cultural awareness, and developmental exposure by facilitating exposure visits for tribal
youth from erstwhile LWE-affected areas.
viii.
Civic Action Programme
The Civic Action Programme supports medical camps, sports
activities, and community welfare initiatives, strengthening trust between security forces and local communities.
Case Study: Chhattisgarh's Journey from Naxalism to Development
i.
A coordinated strategy combining security
operations, development initiatives, and tribal participation transformed
Bastar from one of India's most Naxal-affected regions into a model of peace
and development.
ii.
The formation of the Bastariya
Battalion strengthened local participation, improved intelligence
gathering, enhanced trust between security forces and tribal communities, and
restored confidence in state institutions.
iii.
Improved road infrastructure, mobile
connectivity, rehabilitation measures, and livelihood support accelerated
socio-economic development and integrated previously isolated communities with
mainstream governance.
iv.
Initiatives such as the Shaheed Veer
Gunda Dhur Seva Dera, Bastar Pandum, and the Bastar Olympics
promoted welfare delivery, cultural identity, community participation, and
inclusive development.
v.
The decade-long transformation led to a
sharp decline in LWE-affected districts, violence, and fatalities,
demonstrating that sustained security, development, and community empowerment
can establish lasting peace and prosperity.
Source: PIB - https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?id=159388&NoteId=159388&ModuleId=3®=48&lang=2