March 31, Tuesday, 2026, will always be remembered in the history of India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah had set the goal of making India free from Naxalism by this date. Coming to power in 2014 with major promises such as abrogating Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir, adopting a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, and abolishing the practice of triple talaq, the BJP fulfilled each of its pledges one by one.
Home Minister Amit Shah announced in the Lok Sabha during a discussion on Naxalism that the “red terror” in India has almost been eradicated. Naxal violence has inflicted deep wounds on the country. Every year, some bloody chapter written in red ink added to the history, creating a deadly red corridor stretching from Pashupatinath (Nepal) to Tirupati. Hundreds of brave security personnel sacrificed their lives combating Naxalism, while top politicians and ordinary citizens also became targets of their bullets and landmines. Countless mothers lost their sons, and thousands of youths were lured into taking up arms.
The struggle for a Naxal-free India has not been ordinary—it is a saga written with the sacrifices of security forces and the blood of the people. The background of Naxalism traces back to the Tebhaga Movement of 1946, which was against landlords. In this movement, Charu Mazumdar actively participated as a worker. Later, Charu linked Naxal violence with ideology.
People may recall that in 2010, the deadly Naxal attack in Dantewada claimed the lives of 76 CRPF personnel, shocking the nation. Seeing the bodies of the soldiers wrapped in the tricolor deeply moved the entire country. In May 2013, in Jhirm Ghati of Bastar district, Naxals carried out a major attack, killing 29 people, including Congress’s then state president Nand Kumar Patel, former Leader of Opposition Mahendra Karma, and senior Congress leader Vidyacharan Shukla. Previous governments remained indecisive about tackling Naxal violence. The recurring question was whether it was right or wrong to use security forces against their own misguided citizens. Coordination among state governments also lacked clarity. The Naxal movement drifted completely off course.
After the Modi government came to power, strong will, granting security forces full authority, and establishing robust monitoring mechanisms were employed to fulfill the promise of a Naxal-free India. The core objectives of the Modi government included three main areas: the country’s internal and external security, cultural nationalism, and the revival of all aspects of Indian culture.
The Modi government worked through dialogue, security, and coordination while implementing major policy changes. The policy was: those who wished to surrender their arms were welcomed, but anyone killing innocents with weapons would not be spared. State police and central security forces were given full authority, and a practical bridge between the center and states was established for intelligence sharing and operational coordination. Administration tightened control over weapons and ammunition supplies, reducing them by nearly 90% after 2019. The National Investigation Agency and Enforcement Directorate cracked down on economic sources, urban Naxal support, legal assistance, and media narratives favoring Naxals. Joint training of DRG, STF, CRPF, and COBRA forces yielded excellent results.
Not only through security operations but also by promoting development, Naxals were compelled to surrender. Development, employment, and education initiatives reduced support for Naxals and encouraged families to pressure them into surrendering. By January 2026, 15,000 km of roads were constructed in affected areas, 9,233 mobile towers installed, and 46 ITIs along with 49 skill development centers established to empower youth and women. Additionally, 179 Eklavya Model Schools, 6,025 post offices, 1,804 bank branches, and 1,321 ATMs were set up. The government has also spent significant funds on the rehabilitation of surrendered Naxals.
Gradually, several Naxal commanders were killed, and hundreds surrendered. Those abandoning violence have accepted integration into the mainstream, with the government facilitating their rehabilitation. Only a few Naxal cadres remain in the country. Home Minister Amit Shah has issued a clear warning: anyone picking up arms will pay the price. It is expected that the remaining Naxals will also surrender.
A Naxal-free India is one of the greatest achievements of the Modi government.
