The Making of Naxal-Free India

Explore how India’s fight against Naxalism transformed the Red Corridor into a Green Growth Corridor through security, development, and rehabilitation.

India has successfully traversed a decisive phase in its battle against Naxalism and Maoist violence. Over the past 12 years, this has emerged as a significant triumph in national security. The nation has broken free from the stranglehold of Naxalism and can now breathe a sigh of relief. The power of the Constitution and the rule of law have won, replacing the dominance of bombs and guns. Regions once known as the ‘Red Corridor’ have transformed into hubs of development and green growth. There is an onset of progress over fear and darkness. By systematically eradicating this decades-old menace within a defined timeframe, the pledge for a ‘Naxal-Free India’ has—as of March 31, 2026—culminated in a historic achievement, marking a moment of immense pride for the nation…

Where once the echoes of gunfire resounded, now ring the songs of development. Where nights were once shrouded in fear, now shine the rays of hope. Where silence once reigned in the forests, today life smiles. Today, India is scripting a new history through its courage and resolve.

These lines, which resonated in Parliament on March 30, 2026, serve as a poetic expression of the eradication of Naxalism in India and the transformation taking place in Naxal-affected regions. Where once there were guns, today there is employment; where fear and darkness once prevailed, today development is taking place. This describes a new era—one filled with development, security, and aspirations—where progress has taken the place of violence. It stands as a testament that when policy, intent, and leadership work in unison, even the impossible becomes possible.

Often, certain dates and moments become etched in history in golden letters forever. One such date has now become March 31, 2026. Until now, March 31 has been remembered as the last day of the financial year and globally for events like the inauguration of the Eiffel Tower and the first time an African American was allowed to vote in the United States. But now, this date will also be remembered as a symbol of a “Naxal-free India” and socio-economic development. Regions that had long remained deprived of development due to the “Red Terror” will now witness the beginning of a new journey of progress. It will be achieved. Exactly one day before March 31—the designated date for India to become Naxal-free—Union Home Minister Amit Shah proclaimed the fulfillment of this resolve from the supreme temple of democracy. Along with it, the decades-old Naxal problem was a violent ideology that hindered development in tribal areas and fuelled unrest.

The firm and clear policy of the central government has brought this issue to an end. March 31, 2026, has gone down in history as a date that will be remembered for centuries to come for having eradicated a decades-old problem from its very roots. Under a multi-pronged strategy, the central government implemented a policy characterised by robust security operations, accelerated development initiatives, and compassionate engagement. These concerted efforts by the government played a crucial role in dismantling the Naxalite infrastructure and its cadre. In fact, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi took charge of the office, India’s internal security was severely affected across three highly sensitive regions: Jammu & Kashmir, the Northeast, and the Red corridor affected by left-wing extremism. For 4-5 decades, thousands of people had lost their lives due to turmoil in these areas, and there had been significant property damage. A significant portion of the national budget was being spent on managing these hotspots instead of on the development of the poor. The security forces, too, suffered casualties; however, after 2014, focused attention was given to all three critical hotspots, and work was carried out based on a clear long-term strategy.

THE GENESIS OF NAXALISM

Originating from the Naxalbari movement of 1967 in West Bengal, it spread primarily across the “Red Corridor,” affecting states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra, Kerala, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

The year 1971 witnessed the highest number of violent incidents—3,620—in the history of independent India. Subsequently, during the 1980s, the People’s War Group expanded its reach to these states. After this decade, various Left-wing factions began to merge with one another, culminating in the formation of the prominent CPI (Maoist) faction in 2004. Naxalite violence assumed an extremely grave dimension. The corridor stretching from Pashupati to Tirupati came to be known as the “Red Corridor”. This Red Corridor encompassed 17 per cent of the country’s geographical area, and a population of 120 million was affected by this menace, who were forced to live in abject poverty for years. At that time, 10 percent of the nation’s population was living under the constant shadow of Naxalite violence.

“It is true that Maoist violence had stalled the progress of several districts across Central and Eastern India. That is why, in 2015, our government formulated a comprehensive ‘National Policy and Action Plan’ to eradicate Maoist violence. Alongside a zero-tolerance approach towards violence, we have also focused on boosting infrastructure and social empowerment to bring about positive changes in the lives of the poor people residing in these regions.” – Narendra Modi, Prime Minister

“Since 2014, our government has launched a massive offensive against Naxalite-Maoist terror. We have neutralized the ‘Urban Naxals’ and their supporters who operated from within our cities; we have won the ideological battle; and we have confronted the Naxals head-on within their very strongholds. The results of these efforts are evident to the entire nation today.” – Narendra Modi, Prime Minister

National Policy and Action Plan – 2015

The Central Government’s strategy—centered on security, infrastructure development, dismantling Naxal financial networks, and a surrender policy—has yielded positive results. Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), commonly known as Naxalism, was one of India’s most formidable internal security challenges. With the assistance of the Central Government and the affected state governments, these regions have now been declared Naxal-free. Efforts undertaken to liberate the nation from Naxalism…

• To eradicate the problem of Naxalism at its roots, the ‘National Policy and Action Plan to Deal with LWE’ was approved in 2015. This framework focused on various strategies, including security-related measures, developmental activities, and ensuring the rights and entitlements of local communities.
• In LWE-affected states, the Central Government undertook measures such as the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces, the establishment of India Reserve Battalions, provision of helicopter support, police training and modernization, and the supply of necessary funds, arms, and equipment; additionally, provisions were made for intelligence sharing and the construction of fortified police stations.

From the ‘Red Corridor’ to a Naxal-Free India (2014–2026)

Naxalite violence. In comparison, the country’s two other hotspots Kashmir and the Northeast saw 1 per cent of the landmass plagued by terrorism and 3.3 per cent by general unrest, respectively. Against this backdrop, starting in 2014, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the central government initiated a comprehensive strategy focusing on three key pillars: dialogue, security, and coordination. In this regard, the period from 2014 to 2026 is poised to be etched in the history of India’s internal security as a “Golden Era.” Union Home Minister Amit Shah has stated on multiple occasions: “We will undoubtedly succeed in freeing the entire country of Naxalite violence by March 31, 2026.” In this same direction,

Rs. 3681.73 crore was released to LWE-affected states to enhance the capacity of the states, under the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme since 2014-15.

More than 10,000 youths in the Northeast have laid down their arms and joined the mainstream, and a monumental task of establishing peace in the region has been accomplished through over 12 peace accords. In Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh as well, a new era of development has commenced following the abrogation of Article 370.

INDIA FREE FROM ‘RED TERROR’

One of India’s biggest achievements in national security over the past 12 years has been breaking the backbone of Naxal–Maoist terrorism. Before 2014, the situation in our country was such that Naxalite-Maoists ran their own parallel governments right in the heart of India. In those regions, the Constitution of India did not function.

Continuous Decline in Violence

• The implementation of the ‘National Policy and Action Plan 2015’ led to a reduction in violence. Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)—which had posed a grave challenge to the country’s internal security—was brought under control.
• The number of districts affected by LWE declined from 126 in 2014 to just 11 in December 2025. Now, no district remains ‘extremely affected.’

Decline in Left-Wing Extremism: Key Indicators at a Glance

IndicatorBase YearBase ValueLatest YearLatest ValueChange

Decline in Fatalities Among Security Forces	2010	1,005	2025	100	90% decline
Violent Incidents Perpetrated by LWE	2010	1,936	2025	234	88% decline
Extremely Affected Districts	2014	35	2026	0	100% decline
Naxalite Fatalities	2025	364	—	—	Single-year figure
Police Stations Reporting Violence Related to Left-Wing Extremism	2010	465	2026	60	87.1% decline

• 1,022 individuals were arrested, while 2,337 surrendered.

Arrests, Surrenders and Encounter Data of Naxal Cadres

IndicatorPeriod / DateNumberRemarks

Naxals killed in encounters	2024, 2025, to March 2026	706	Total killed in encounters during the stated period
Naxalites arrested	Not specified	2,218	Total arrests mentioned
Naxalites surrendered	Not specified	4,839	Total surrenders mentioned
Left-Wing Extremists arrested	2019 to January 15, 2026	7,409	Cumulative arrests during the stated period
Left-Wing Extremists surrendered	2019 to January 15, 2026	5,880	Cumulative surrenders during the stated period
Naxalites surrendered	May 23, 2025	24	Single-day surrender figure
Naxalites surrendered in Chhattisgarh	October 2025	197	State-wise figure
Naxalites surrendered in Maharashtra	October 2025	61	State-wise figure

Resolve Turning into Reality

Rs. 50,000 incentive is provided upon surrender, and the amount doubles in case of collective surrender.
Rs. 10,000 per month financial assistance is provided for up to 36 months, along with housing support under the PM Awas Yojana for all beneficiaries.

The Impact of Rehabilitation and Incentives is Also Evident

• The rehabilitation package provides—among other provisions—for an immediate grant of ₹5 lakh for high-ranking LWE (Left-Wing Extremism) cadres, and ₹2.5 lakh for other LWE cadres.
• Each surrendering individual is provided with a mobile phone.
• Compensation is provided for the surrender of weapons.
• Skill training and toolkits are distributed at rehabilitation centers.
• Upon a Panchayat being declared ‘Naxal-free,’ a grant of ₹1 crore is allocated for development.
• Provisions include free education up to the 12th grade for their children. Loans up to ₹2 lakh for women and up to ₹5 lakh for men.

Police and administration were unable to function there, and the machinery of governance appeared utterly helpless in the face of these groups. Before 2014, around 125 districts of the country were affected by Maoist violence. However, as a result of the tireless efforts of the last 12 years, the nation today is breathing freely, having been freed from Maoist terror. Millions of people, for the first time in generations, have come out from the shadow of fear and are now part of the mainstream of development. In those very regions where Maoist Naxalites once prevented the construction of roads, schools, and hospitals, and would even bomb existing infrastructure. They used to gun down doctors, prevent the installation of mobile towers, attack security force camps to free prisoners, loot weapons, extort commissions from contractors engaged in infrastructure projects, and set fire to trucks and railway freight; yet now, highways are being built there, and new industries are being set up. The nation owes this success to the dedication, sacrifice, and valour of its security forces. Consequently, in 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the entire nation his solemn assurance: that until the country is completely liberated from the scourge of Naxalite-Maoist terror, he will neither pause in his efforts nor rest until the mission is accomplished.

“Many major tasks—which the people of this country have desired since the time of independence—have been accomplished during these 12 years under the leadership of Narendra Modi. Furthermore, the creation of a Naxalism-free India is also taking shape precisely under Narendra Modi’s administration. In a sense, these 12 years have proven to be extremely auspicious for the nation.” – Amit Shah, Union Home Minister

DIALOGUE → SECURITY → COORDINATION

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s fight against Naxalism is anchored in a triad of security, development, and social justice. Through sustained and active cooperation between the Centre and the States, the nation achieved the goal of becoming ‘Naxal-free’ by March 31, 2026. This stands as a testament to a decade of the government’s decisive policy and its unwavering commitment to peace and development. The government has adopted an integrated, multi-pronged, and

The Three Dates… A Shift in Direction

For development, the Central Government adopted a “Whole-of-Government” approach; while, to tighten the security noose, it shifted its strategy toward a “Whole-of-Agency” perspective—a transformation in which three specific dates scripted the decisive narrative…

• Through an “All-Agency Approach,” entities such as the NIA, ED, and various intelligence agencies launched a multi-pronged offensive against the networks, funding channels, and support systems of the Naxalites.
• Leveraging the “Whole-of-Government” approach, development initiatives had already been set in motion across the affected regions.
• August 20, 2019: A meeting was convened at the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, wherein a comprehensive blueprint was drafted addressing various facets—including police coordination, police modernization, the integration of former Naxalites into the police force, and coordination with intelligence agencies.
• August 24, 2024: Following the elections in Chhattisgarh, a change of government had taken place. Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the state, where a joint strategy was formulated between the Centre and the State. On this very date, an announcement was made: India would be rendered Naxal-free by March 31, 2026.
• March 31, 2026: Just one day before the target date for the realization of the pledge for a Naxal-free India, the Union Home Minister made a formal announcement in the Lok Sabha.

Modernization of Police Forces

• State police forces were provided with assistance under the ‘Modernization of Police Forces’ scheme.
• Under this scheme, the Central Government provided assistance to State Governments for weapons, Information Technology equipment, communication systems, training, mobility, police housing, and other infrastructure.
• Under the ‘Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS)’—a sub-scheme of the main plan—special forces, State Intelligence Branches, District Police units, and fortified police stations were established in Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) affected states.
• To strengthen security infrastructure, more than 656 fortified police stations were established.

Rs. 1,224.59 Crore: Assistance has been provided to central agencies through this scheme since the year 2014-15.

Security Infrastructure Strengthening in Naxal-Affected Areas

Infrastructure / FacilityNumberTime Period / StatusRemarks

Fortified police stations established	596	Over the past 11 years	Strengthening security infrastructure
Police stations reporting Naxal-related incidents	350 to 60	Then to now	Sharp decline in affected police stations
New camps for Central Armed Forces	406	Since 2020	Expanded force presence in affected areas
Night-landing helipads constructed	68	Not specified	Improved mobility and operational response
Bullet- and blast-proof vehicles provided	400	Not specified	Enhanced personnel safety
Hospitals built for personnel	5	Not specified	Health support infrastructure improved

The government has placed special emphasis on curbing the flow of funds to Left-Wing Extremist (LWE) groups. In particular, continuous action has been taken to uncover the nexus between the Communist Party of India (Maoist) and those providing them with financial support. Coordinated and effective measures have been undertaken jointly by state police forces and central agencies to prevent LWE groups from accessing funds and other resources. Measures taken by the government to dismantle the financial networks of LWE groups include:

Measures to Curb Funding

• To curb terror financing, a specialized unit named the “Countering Terrorist Financing (CTF) Cell” was established within the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2011. This cell coordinates with various intelligence and enforcement agencies to take action against terrorist financial networks.
• The National Investigation Agency (NIA) also established a “Terror Funding and Fake Currency Cell” (TFFC) to investigate and prosecute cases involving terrorist financing and Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN).
• To combat the circulation of FICN within the country, an “FICN Coordination Centre” (FCORD) was established to facilitate the sharing of intelligence and information among various security agencies at both the central and state levels.
• Various sanctions were imposed against terrorist organizations and their members under United Nations Security Council Resolutions and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. These measures included the freezing and seizure of funds and assets, thereby curbing the flow of funds to terrorist organizations.
• In 2016, two multi-disciplinary groups were constituted within the Ministry of Home Affairs—one at the central level and the other at the state level—to monitor the flow of funds to LWE cadres.

Rs. 40 crore worth of assets were seized by the NIA through its dedicated anti-Naxalite financing unit, while states also seized assets exceeding Rs. 40 crore, effectively curbing Naxalite funding networks.

12 Crore Rupees were attached by the Enforcement Directorate. This action inflicted severe moral and psychological damage upon the ‘Urban Naxals’ and resulted in even tighter control over their information warfare networks.

Robust strategy against Naxalism—an approach that has proven successful in replacing the fragmented methodologies of previous administrations. Guided by the clear principles of Dialogue → Security → Coordination, the government successfully rendered every Naxal-affected region completely Naxal-free by March 2026.

According to Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, the past was characterised by a fragmented approach, reactive incident-based actions, and a complete absence of a permanent policy framework. In a sense, the steering wheel of the government’s response was effectively in the hands of the Naxals. However, since 2014, the steering of the government’s campaigns and programmes has firmly rested with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. This marks a monumental shift in policy.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah states, “Our government’s policy is clear: for those who wish to lay down their arms and surrender, a ‘red carpet’ awaits them, and they are welcomed. However, if they choose to wield weapons to kill innocent tribals, it becomes the government’s sacred duty to protect those innocent tribals and confront the armed Naxals.”

Coordination between the Centre and the States has improved, and the capabilities and policing systems of the States have been enhanced. Coordination between the Central Armed Forces and the State Police has been strengthened.

Development-Centric Initiatives

On the development front, in addition to the government’s flagship schemes, special initiatives have been undertaken for several areas affected by Left-Wing Extremism (LWE). Particular emphasis has been placed on the expansion of road networks, improvement in telecommunication connectivity, education, skill development, and financial inclusion. Prominent among these are:

• To strengthen the road network, two special schemes—the Road Requirement Plan (RRP) and the Road Connectivity Project for LWE Affected Areas (RCPLWEA)—have been implemented.
• Under the Special Central Assistance (SCA) scheme—aimed at bridging gaps in public infrastructure in the most severely LWE-affected districts—a total of ₹3,953.67 crore has been released since the scheme’s inception in 2017.
• On October 2, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the ‘Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan’ from Jharkhand. The objective of this campaign is to ensure access to basic amenities in over 15,000 villages. Furthermore, the government is continuously strengthening the ‘3-Cs’—namely Road Connectivity, Mobile Connectivity, and Financial Connectivity—in these regions to accelerate the pace of development and ensure that the people have access to better facilities.

Development and Connectivity Initiatives in LWE-Affected Districts

Development IndicatorNumber / ExtentRemarks

Bank Branches opened	1,804	Opened in Left-Wing Extremism-affected districts
ATMs installed	1,321	Expanded banking access
Banking Correspondents deployed	37,850	Strengthened last-mile financial inclusion
Roads approved	17,589 km	Approved under road connectivity schemes
Roads constructed	12,000 km	Already completed out of approved roads
Post offices offering banking services	6,025	Opened by India Post in LWE-affected districts
Telecom towers installed	9,233	Improved telecom connectivity
Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) opened	46	Promoted skill development
Skill Development Centers opened	49	Expanded training infrastructure
Eklavya Model Residential Schools established	259	Improved quality education in tribal areas

For the first time, the Government of India adopted a clear-cut policy, devoid of any ambiguity. State police forces and central security agencies were granted operational autonomy. Simultaneously, a practical bridge was established between the central and state governments to ensure effective coordination in intelligence gathering, information sharing, and operational execution. A tight clampdown was imposed on the supply of illegal weaponry. Between 2019 and 2026, significant success was achieved in disrupting the Naxals’ arms supply chain. Furthermore, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) cracked down heavily on those involved in financing Naxal activities.

Furthermore, strict measures were implemented to curb the Naxalites’ network of “Urban Naxal” support, legal assistance, and the crafting of media narratives. Targeted actions were initiated against members of the Central Committee. Targeted operations, such as ‘Operation Octopus’ and ‘Operation Double Bull’, were executed. Joint training programmes were also launched for the DRG, STF, CRPF, and COBRA forces, enabling these four agencies to conduct joint operations.

Concurrently, forensic investigations were initiated, location tracking systems were deployed, and data regarding mobile phone activity were made available to the state police. Software for scientific call log analysis was developed, and social media analysis was utilised to identify their covert supporters. These measures not only accelerated the anti-Naxal operations but also yielded concrete results.

New Dimensions in the Development of Bastar

• Naxalism has been virtually eradicated from Bastar.
• To achieve this, a campaign was launched to establish a school in every village across Bastar.
• A drive was undertaken to open a ration shop in every village.
• Community Health Centers (CHCs) and Primary Health Centers (PHCs) were established in every Tehsil and Panchayat.
• Aadhaar cards and Ration cards were issued, and beneficiaries received facilities such as 5 kg of free rations and gas stoves.
• Sports were promoted through initiatives such as the ‘Bastar Olympics’ and ‘Bastar Pandum’.

A 240-bed super-specialty hospital was established in Jagdalpur. Previously, this region lacked even basic Primary and Community Health Centers.

Works worth Rs. 2,212 crore were undertaken under the Civic Action Programme, covering health camps and the provision of medicines.

• Exchange programs were organized for tribal youth.
• Special security-related expenditure initiatives were introduced for the states:

Infrastructure Support and Community Participation in Bastar

Initiative / ActivityAmount / ParticipationRemarks

Special Infrastructure Scheme	₹5,000 crore	Allocated under the scheme
Central funds for critical public infrastructure	₹4,000 crore	Provided for essential infrastructure
Long-term development support	₹3,000 crore	Provided over a period of 10 years
Extended Special Infrastructure Scheme	₹2,000 crore	Additional allocation under the extended scheme
Artists participated in Bastar Pandum	1.20 lakh	Cultural participation
Tribal people participated in sports activities	5.50 lakh	Sports outreach and community participation

“In just the past year alone, more than 2,100 Naxalites have surrendered; over 900 arrests have been made; and security forces have neutralized more than 300 hardline Naxalites—those who were unwilling to lay down their arms. The result of this is that areas once forced to live under the shadow of fear are today being infused with a new energy of development.” Narendra Modi, Prime Minister

NAXAL-FREE INDIA – A LANDMARK DATE

March 31, 2026, has emerged as a landmark date in the history of India. To achieve this objective, a multi-pronged strategy was adopted. This strategy encompassed relentless operations by security forces, comprehensive development initiatives, and rehabilitation policies. Conducted through inter-agency cooperation, these operations achieved unprecedented success in dismantling the Maoist network and restoring peace in the affected regions. This marks the first instance in which a government set a definitive deadline to completely eradicate such challenges and successfully delivered on that promise. In April 2025, Union Home Minister Amit Shah categorically stated that Naxalism would become a thing of the past

“What constitutes the Maoist ideology? What is its guiding motto? When we attained independence, we proclaimed—‘Satyameva Jayate’ that truth shall always prevail. Their motto, however, asserts that ‘Power flows from the barrel of a gun.’ In their context, the word ‘power’ does not signify development, but rather the mere survival of their own ideology. There is absolutely no discourse on development here; they harbor no faith in democracy.” Amit Shah, Union Home Minister

Across the entire country, including Chhattisgarh, by March 31, 2026. He reiterated this commitment to the nation and its citizens on multiple occasions. To realize this objective, security forces conducted several operations. In 2022, ‘Operation Octopus’ was carried out in the Budha Pahad region of Bihar. That same year, ‘Operation Double Bull’ was conducted in Gumla, Lohardaga, and Latehar, and all three regions became Naxal-free within a matter of days. Similarly, from September 1 to 3, 2022, ‘Operation Thunderstorm’ was executed in the Seraikela, West Singhbhum, and Khunti districts of Jharkhand. In June–July of 2022, ‘Operation Bhimbandh’ was conducted in the Munger district. ‘Operation Chakrabandha’ was carried out in the Gaya and Aurangabad districts of Bihar.

In May 2025, achieving a historic milestone in the resolve to create a Naxal-free India, security forces eliminated 31 Naxals during the largest-ever anti-Naxal operation conducted at Karreguttalu Hill on the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border. Karreguttalu Hill, which was once ruled by red terror, now proudly hoists the tricolour. This was a remarkable operation that the security forces completed in a mere 21 days. It stands as the largest anti-Naxal operation to date in which the security forces suffered zero casualties.

Achieving yet another historic feat, security forces neutralised 27 dreaded Naxals—including Nambala Keshav Rao (alias Basavaraju), the general secretary of the Communist Party of India (Maoist), in Narayanpur. Basavaraju was considered the backbone of the Maoist movement. It was after three decades that a Maoist leader of such high stature was eliminated. Following “Operation Black Forest”, 54 Maoists were arrested across various states, while 84 others surrendered.

GREEN ZONE OF DEVELOPMENT

The past decade has, in a sense, marked an era of peace and progress. For a long time, the nation fell victim to various forms of violent incidents, be it terrorism or Naxalism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi states, “Hundreds of districts across the country are emerging from the clutches of Naxalism and breathing the air of freedom. We take pride in the fact that our country’s Constitution prevails over bombs, guns, and pistols; our Constitution is emerging victorious. For the nation’s bright future, it is clearly evident that what were once known as the ‘Red Corridors’ are today transforming into ‘Green Growth Zones’.”

The transformation witnessed in Naxal-affected states—particularly in Chhattisgarh—is truly remarkable and inspiring. This state was once defined by Naxalism and backwardness; today, that very same state is becoming a symbol of prosperity, security, and stability. Today, the ‘Bastar Olympics’ is a topic of discussion in every corner of the country.

In Chilkapalli village of Bijapur, electricity reached the residents for the very first time in seven decades. In Rekavaya village of Abujhmad, construction work for a school has commenced—a first since the country gained independence. Today, a breeze of developmental activity is sweeping through the villages of these previously affected regions. Now, in place of the red flag, the tricolour waves with pride. Today, regions like Bastar are no longer defined by fear but by an atmosphere of celebration. There is no doubt that after 2014, the central government made sincere efforts to bring misguided youth back into the mainstream with sensitivity.

Therefore, in a programme in October 2025, Narendra Modi said: “Over the past decade, thousands of Naxalites have laid down their arms. Let me give you figures from the last 75 hours: one of the greatest satisfactions of my life is that in these 75 hours, 303 Naxalites have surrendered. At one time, they used to wield the .303 rifle; today, 303 of them have surrendered. And these are not ordinary Naxalites—some had a bounty of Rs. 1 crore on their heads, some Rs. 15 lakh, and others Rs. 5 lakh. All of them had rewards declared in their names. A large quantity of weapons has also been recovered from them. All these individuals have given up guns and bombs and are ready to embrace the Constitution of India. When a government is fully committed to the Constitution, even those who have gone down the wrong path turn back and fix their eyes on the Constitution. They are now joining the mainstream of development. People are accepting that they were on the wrong path. They spent five decades, sacrificing their entire youth, but the changes they had envisioned did not come. Now, they will move forward with faith in the Constitution of India.”

Special Courts

• The NIA was strengthened, and State Investigative Agencies (SIAs) were established in Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected states.
• Four LWE Special Courts were inaugurated in Chhattisgarh, and exclusive courts were also established in other states.

280 new camps have been established since 2019, along with 15 Joint Task Forces and deployment of 6 Central Reserve Police Force battalions to support State Police operations.

“What changed after 2014? The CAPF remains the same. The State Police forces, too, remain unchanged. What was introduced after 2014 was a clear-cut policy backed by strong political will. Narendra Modi made it unequivocally clear that unlawful activities would not be tolerated in any corner of this country.” Amit Shah, Union Home Minister

Source: Govt of India

(India CSR)