Naxalism, a Maoist insurgency rooted in the 1967 Naxalbari uprising in West Bengal,

represents one of India's most persistent internal security challenges. Inspired by Mao
Zedong’s ideology of peasant-led revolution, Naxalites aim to overthrow the Indian state
through armed struggle to establish a classless society. Operating primarily in the "Red
Corridor" spanning states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana,
Maharashtra, and Bihar, Naxalism affects over 80 districts. This essay provides a detailed
analysis of Naxalism’s origins, its multifaceted impact on internal security, the government’s
response, challenges in countering the threat, and a strategic roadmap for resolution,
tailored for a 20-mark evaluation.

Historical Context and Causes

Naxalism emerged from deep-seated socio-economic and political grievances:

1. Socio-Economic Disparities:

o Land Inequities: Historical exploitation by landlords, coupled with inadequate

land reforms, left tribal and rural communities landless or marginalized. The
Forest Rights Act (2006) aimed to address tribal land rights but faced
implementation hurdles.

o Economic Deprivation: Naxal-affected areas, often rich in minerals, suffer

from acute poverty, with 60% of the population in these regions living below
the poverty line (as per 2011-12 NSSO data). Lack of jobs, education, and
healthcare fuels resentment.

o Social Marginalization: Adivasis and Scheduled Castes, constituting a

significant portion of Naxal recruits, face systemic exclusion from mainstream
development and political representation.

2. Political and Governance Failures:

o Weak Administration: Remote areas lack effective governance, with minimal

state presence. Corruption and bureaucratic inefficiency exacerbate local
grievances.

o Corporate Exploitation: Mining and industrial projects in tribal areas, often

without adequate consultation or compensation, alienate locals, pushing
them toward Naxalite ideology.

3. Ideological Appeal: The Communist Party of India (Maoist), formed in 2004 through
the merger of the People’s War Group and Maoist Communist Centre, propagates a
Marxist-Leninist-Maoist ideology. It exploits local discontent, presenting itself as a
defender of the oppressed.
 4. External Influences: While primarily indigenous, Naxalites have historical links with
Nepal’s Maoists and reportedly receive arms through porous borders, though
evidence of direct state-sponsored support remains limited.

Impact on Internal Security

Naxalism poses a multidimensional threat to India’s internal security:

1. Violence and Casualties:

o Naxalites target security forces, government officials, and civilians perceived

as state collaborators. According to the South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP),
over 12,000 deaths (including civilians, security personnel, and Naxalites)
have occurred since the 1980s.

o High-profile attacks, such as the 2010 Dantewada ambush (76 CRPF personnel
killed) and the 2013 Sukma attack (27 Congress leaders and security
personnel killed), underscore their tactical capabilities.

2. Economic Disruption:

o The Red Corridor, rich in minerals like coal, iron ore, and bauxite, contributes
significantly to India’s economy. Naxalite control disrupts mining, railways,
and infrastructure projects, causing economic losses estimated at billions
annually.

o Extortion through "revolutionary taxes" on businesses and contractors

sustains their operations while deterring investment.

3. Undermining Governance:

o Naxalites establish parallel administrations, or "Janatana Sarkars," in remote

areas, collecting taxes, dispensing justice, and providing services, which
erodes state legitimacy.

o This creates "liberated zones" where government writ is minimal, weakening

democratic institutions.

4. Arms and Logistics:

o Naxalites acquire weapons through looting police armories, smuggling via

borders with Nepal and Bangladesh, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Their arsenal includes rifles, grenades, and landmines.

o Funding comes from extortion, illegal mining, and opium cultivation in some
areas, with annual revenues estimated at ₹2,000 crore (Home Ministry
reports).

5. Urban Expansion:
 o Recent intelligence indicates Naxalites infiltrating urban centers, recruiting
students, intellectuals, and urban poor. Front organizations and sleeper cells
in cities like Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Delhi pose an evolving threat.

6. Social Polarization:

o Naxalite propaganda exploits caste and tribal identities, deepening social

divides and complicating reconciliation efforts.

o Their anti-development stance, such as destroying schools and roads (over

300 schools attacked between 2006-2019), hinders progress in affected areas.

Government Response: Security and Development

The Indian government has adopted a dual strategy of security operations and
developmental interventions:

1. Security Measures:

o Force Deployment: Over 100,000 personnel from CRPF, BSF, ITBP, and state
police are deployed in Naxal-affected areas. The CoBRA unit, established in
2008, specializes in jungle warfare.

o Operation Green Hunt (2009): Aimed at flushing out Naxalites, it reclaimed

some areas but faced criticism for collateral damage and tribal displacement.

o Intelligence Upgrades: Multi-Agency Centres (MAC) and State Intelligence

Bureaus enhance coordination. Drone surveillance and satellite imagery
improve operational precision.

o SAMADHAN Strategy (2017): Encompassing Smart Leadership, Aggressive

Strategy, Motivation, Actionable Intelligence, Dashboard-based KPIs,
Harnessing Technology, Action Plan for Each Theatre, and No Access to
Financing, it aims for a holistic counter-insurgency approach.

2. Development Initiatives:

o Integrated Action Plan (IAP): Launched in 2010, it allocated funds for

infrastructure, schools, and hospitals in 88 Naxal-affected districts.

o Aspirational Districts Programme: Targets 115 backward districts, including

Naxal-affected ones, focusing on health, education, and livelihoods.

o Road Connectivity: Projects like the PMGSY (Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak
Yojana) aim to connect remote areas, reducing Naxalite dominance.

o Surrender and Rehabilitation: Policies offer financial aid, vocational training,

and jobs to surrendered Naxalites. Over 5,000 cadres have surrendered since
2014 (MHA data).
 3. Legal Framework:

o The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) bans the CPI (Maoist) as a
terrorist organization, enabling stricter action.

o State-specific laws, like the Chhattisgarh Special Public Security Act (2005),
target Naxalite activities.

Challenges in Countering Naxalism

Despite efforts, several obstacles persist:

1. Geographical Barriers: Dense forests, hilly terrain, and lack of roads in areas like
Bastar and Abujhmad (Chhattisgarh) provide Naxalites strategic cover, complicating
military operations.

2. Human Rights Concerns: Allegations of extrajudicial killings, fake encounters, and

tribal harassment (e.g., Salwa Judum’s controversial role) alienate locals, fueling
Naxal recruitment.

3. Development Delays: Corruption, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and security risks delay

projects. Only 60% of IAP funds were utilized effectively by 2015 (CAG report).

4. Ideological Resilience: Naxalite propaganda, spread through pamphlets, radio, and

social media, continues to attract marginalized groups, especially unemployed youth.

5. Inter-State Coordination: Differing state priorities, resource constraints, and political

rivalries hinder unified action. For instance, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand often adopt
divergent approaches.

6. Urban Threat: The shift to urban areas requires new counter-strategies, as traditional
rural-focused operations are inadequate.

7. Collateral Damage: Security operations sometimes harm civilians, as seen in the

2012 Bijapur encounter, where 17 villagers were mistakenly killed, eroding trust.

Conclusion
Naxalism, driven by socio-economic inequities and ideological fervor, remains a
formidable internal security challenge. Its impact—violence, economic disruption, and
governance erosion—demands a robust response. While security operations have reduced
Naxalite influence (fatalities dropped from 1,005 in 2010 to 98 in 2024, per SATP), the
threat persists due to structural challenges and evolving tactics. A balanced strategy
combining precise security measures, inclusive development, community engagement,
and ideological counter-narratives is critical. By addressing root causes and restoring trust
in affected regions, India can dismantle Naxalism, ensuring long-term stability and
equitable progress.