India's decisive victory over the decline of Naxalism

 The news coming from Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra in the past few days signals the end of an internal security crisis that had gripped the country for decades. The surrender of 258 Naxalites within two days marks not just a statistical achievement but a turning point in India's long struggle between violence and development. Naxalism, which once spread across 200 districts and created a red corridor, has now shrunk to just 11 districts. This figure is not only the result of the courage of the security forces but also a testament to the policy changes and social partnerships that have fought this battle not only with guns but also with dialogue, development, and participation.

The ideology that underpinned Naxalism—land reform, social equality, and the struggle against state exploitation—has gradually morphed into a struggle for violence and dominance. Over the past few years, this ideology has suffered from distrust and fatigue among its own supporters. According to government figures, so far this year alone, 312 Naxalites have been killed, 836 arrested, and nearly 1,600 have surrendered. This trend indicates that armed groups hiding in the forests are now feeling insecure and helpless.

The Naxal movement suffered a major blow in May 2025 when security forces killed CPI (Maoist) General Secretary Narasimha alias Nambala Keshav Rao (Basavaraju). Basavaraju was not only the face of the organization but also considered the ultimate pillar of strategic thinking and command. His death left the organization leaderless. Furthermore, several members of the Maoist Politburo were killed or captured in recent years, virtually breaking the backbone of the Naxal structure.

Even mentioning the government's name in Naxal-affected areas was once dangerous. But now, those same areas appear to be standing "with the government." This is due not only to military strategy, but also to the multi-pronged policies under which the central government approved the National Policy and Action Plan in 2015. This plan laid down three main pillars: security, development, and rights.

The first phase focused on strengthening the security infrastructure. The deployment of special forces, the expansion of intelligence networks, and improved coordination between states limited the mobility of Naxalites. Subsequently, administrative structures gradually reached areas where governance had been absent for decades. The second phase focused on development and rehabilitation. Infrastructure such as roads, electricity, education, and health gained the trust of the local population. Naxalites once ruled these areas in the name of equality and justice, but when the government provided these communities with self-reliance and employment opportunities, people realized that development, not guns, was the path to true liberation.

The third and most important aspect was protecting the rights of tribal communities. Initiatives like the Forest Rights Act, the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, and the participation of tribals in local decision-making have reduced the distance between the government and society. Any rebellion can be defeated not only with weapons, but with ideas. The biggest reason for the success of the anti-Naxal campaign is that tribal society now stands with peace and development, not with the Naxalites. For decades, the Naxalites controlled these communities through fear, violence, and misinformation. They blocked government projects, burned schools, and damaged roads, all to keep the areas isolated from development and the people under their influence. But now, as awareness has spread in these areas through education and communication, local people themselves are turning away from the Naxalites. A large number of those surrendering are the same youth who were once given weapons in the name of the people's army.

The ideological framework on which the Naxal movement was founded has now become hollow. The movement, which once began with the demand for social justice, has now been reduced to the killing of innocent villagers, the destruction of government projects, and the kidnapping of policemen. This violent turn has completely eroded its moral legitimacy. Many surrendered Naxalites are openly admitting that they no longer believe in their path. This shift shows that attempting change through guns is ultimately suicidal. Lasting change in society is possible only through democracy and dialogue. However, despite the decline of Naxalism, this is not a time for celebration. There are still some areas where Naxalites retain a stronghold, especially in parts of Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Jharkhand. While armed activity may have decreased in these areas, their ideological influence has not completely vanished.

The biggest challenge facing the government now is establishing lasting peace. This requires not only the rehabilitation of those who surrendered but also the intensification of local development schemes. It is now time to accelerate the programs launched under the 2015 policy, such as the Aspirational Districts Program, the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, the Van Dhan Yojana, and the e-Governance Mission. Local communities must be at the center of every decision. Particularly, tribal participation must be ensured, allowing them to become makers of their own future. If this development appears imposed from above, it could lead to new roots of discontent.

Relations between security forces and the public in Naxal-affected areas were once based on distrust. But now, that relationship is gradually changing. Where once people were frightened by the sight of a police camp, children are now seen playing there. This change is not just about strategy, but also about sentiment. The government must further strengthen this sentiment. Rehabilitation policies should prioritize education, skill development, and livelihood programs. Surrenderers must be viewed as social resources, not just former criminals.

Overall, Naxalism has been perhaps the most protracted and complex internal challenge in India's history. This movement was neither a mere battle of guns nor merely of ideas, but a result of governance, inequality, and lack of opportunities. Today, as the movement enters its final stages, it is important to remember that peace will only be lasting when justice, development, and respect reach every citizen. This is an opportunity for both the government and the society to see this achievement not as an end but as a new beginning. The day every citizen living in the forests will realise that democracy is his too, development is his right too, and justice is within his reach, that day India will be able to forever consign Naxalism to the pages of history.