For decades, India’s internal security landscape has been challenged by Left-Wing Extremism, commonly known as Naxalism. It has never been merely a law-and-order issue. Beyond violence, it has impeded development, weakened democratic participation, and kept some of the country’s most vulnerable citizens trapped in fear and isolation.

Today, however, there is a perceptible shift. Under the leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the campaign against Naxalism has moved into what increasingly appears to be its final phase. This transition has not occurred overnight. It is the outcome of a clearly articulated policy, sustained administrative focus, and a zero-tolerance approach toward armed extremism — combined with an equally important emphasis on governance and development.
From the outset, the current leadership of the Home Ministry signaled that there would be no compromise on internal security. Yet, the strategy has not relied solely on security operations. Instead, it has recognized that Naxalism drew strength from decades of neglect, underdevelopment, and lack of state presence in remote regions. Addressing only the violent manifestations without confronting the underlying socio-economic realities would never have produced durable peace.
The difference today is visible on the ground. Areas once described as part of the “Red Corridor” are witnessing tangible change: roads connecting remote villages, schools reopening, health facilities expanding, and welfare schemes reaching households that had long remained outside the state’s administrative reach. Governance, when it becomes accessible and credible, gradually erodes the space in which extremist movements operate.
Statistical trends also indicate this shift. Incidents of Naxal violence have declined significantly in recent years, accompanied by a reduction in both civilian casualties and losses among security personnel. Several senior extremist leaders have been neutralized, while many cadres have surrendered and chosen rehabilitation over conflict. This reflects not only operational success but also a policy framework that pairs firmness with the opportunity for reintegration into society.
One notable feature of the current approach has been clarity of objectives. The declaration of a time-bound target to eliminate Naxalism by March 31, 2026, conveys a strong political commitment. Such clarity sends a message not only to extremist groups but also to administrative institutions and citizens that the state intends to see the effort through.
As Chairman of World Peace Harmony, an organization dedicated to promoting peace, social cohesion, and national unity, I believe lasting peace depends on both security and opportunity. Extremism rarely survives where governance is responsive and development is inclusive. The ongoing effort against Naxalism, therefore, is not a campaign against any community or region; it is a struggle against the ideology of violence and alienation.
The true significance of ending Naxalism will extend beyond security metrics. It will represent the liberation of millions of tribal and rural citizens who have lived for years amid uncertainty and fear. When young people in these regions gain access to education, employment, and dignity, the foundations of a peaceful and prosperous India become stronger.
History often records decisive turning points when persistent challenges begin to recede. The current phase in India’s internal security efforts may well be remembered as such a moment. If the present resolve, policy direction, and administrative momentum continue, the prospect of a Naxalism-free India is no longer aspirational but achievable and with it, the promise of a stronger, safer, and more unified nation.