India Reduces Naxal-Affected Districts: Only 3 ‘Most Affected’ Remain

• According to the Government of India, the number of “most affected” districts by Naxalism has fallen from 6 to 3.
  • The remaining three districts are all in Chhattisgarh:
    1. Bijapur
    2. Sukma
    3. Narayanpur
• The total number of Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected districts has also reduced from 18 to 11.
• The Central Government aims to eradicate Naxalism completely by March 31, 2026.

Background: Decline in Naxal Influence

• In 2013, Naxal-related violence was reported in 126 districts across multiple states.
• By March 2025, this number had come down to 18 districts, with only 6 “Most Affected”, and now just 3 remain in that category.
• This marks a remarkable contraction of the so-called “Red Corridor”, which the Naxals had envisioned to stretch from Pashupati (Nepal) to Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh).

Government Strategy: The National Action Plan and Policy

The government’s success is attributed to the rigorous implementation of the National Action Plan and Policy on LWE, which adopts a multi-pronged approach:

1. Security and Intelligence

• Intelligence-based, people-friendly operations by security forces.
• Targeting of top Maoist leaders and overground workers.
• Swift domination of areas previously under Naxal influence.

2. Ideological and Financial Measures

• Countering extremist propaganda and ideology through community engagement.
• Choking of finances and funding networks.
• Accelerated investigation and prosecution of Maoist-related cases.

3. Development and Governance

• Rapid development of infrastructure (roads, telecom, healthcare, education).
• Saturation of welfare schemes in affected regions.
• Enhanced Centre-State coordination to ensure synchronized action.

Impact and Future Goals

• Significant reduction in violence, casualties, and Naxal strongholds has been recorded.
• Improved access to government services and welfare in formerly LWE-dominated areas.
• The government targets complete elimination of Naxalism by March 2026.

(Source: PIB)