Naxal-Free India: How a dual model of security and development has given us an opportunity for a fresh start
Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s declaration of India as ‘Naxal-free’ in the Lok Sabha on March 30, 2026, should be viewed not merely as an administrative achievement, but as a decisive turning point in the history of independent India’s internal security.
For decades, Naxalism challenged not only law and order but also disrupted the trajectory of development across various parts of the country—particularly in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. Against this backdrop, the claim of having resolved this issue signals, in itself, a monumental transformation.
The statistics presented by the government corroborate this transformation. Naxal influence, which once spanned 126 districts, has now shrunk to zero—at least within the ‘most affected’ category. The killing of 706 Naxals in encounters, the surrender of 4,839, and the arrest of 2,218 individuals indicate that security forces conducted sustained and meticulously planned operations. However, assessing this success solely on the basis of these figures would present an incomplete picture.
Dual model of ‘Security and Development
In reality, the backbone of this entire campaign has been the dual model of ‘Security and Development.’ While security forces rigorously dismantled the Naxal infrastructure on one hand, the government, on the other, placed special emphasis on strengthening infrastructure in the affected regions.
New hubs of development
The construction of roads, the establishment of schools, and the expansion of communication networks—executed at a cost of approximately Rs 20,000 crore—all played a pivotal role in integrating these regions into the national mainstream. Areas like Bastar, once emblematic of the ‘Red Corridor,’ are now poised to emerge as new hubs of development.
Has Naxalism truly met its complete end?
Nevertheless, while evaluating this achievement, certain critical questions also arise. Has Naxalism truly met its complete end, or does this merely represent the dismantling of its organized structure? History demonstrates that ideologies cannot be eradicated solely through military action; they can resurface, fueled by socio-economic disparities, local grievances, and governance failures.
Govt must sustain its developmental initiatives
Consequently, it is imperative that the government sustains its developmental initiatives and continues to nurture the trust of local communities. Home Minister Amit Shah’s warning regarding the adoption of a tough stance against ‘Urban Naxals’ has sparked a new debate. While it is true that extending ideological support to any form of violent ideology poses a challenge to the democratic order, it is equally imperative to ensure that ideological dissent and democratic criticism are not equated with ‘support for Naxalism.’ The strength of a democracy lies precisely in maintaining this balance.
An opportunity for a fresh start
From a political perspective, too, this achievement holds significance. The Central Government has attributed it to its decisive policies and strong political will, whereas the Opposition may view it merely as a manipulation of statistics and definitions. In this context, transparency and independent evaluation would further bolster the credibility of this achievement. Nevertheless, this claim of a ‘Naxal-free India’ presents an opportunity for a fresh start.
Govt must accord equal importance to fostering trust
It represents not merely a victory for security forces, but a step toward building an India where development, justice, and equal opportunities reach every single citizen. If the government wishes to make this achievement sustainable, it must accord equal importance to fostering trust—rather than relying solely on force—and to exercising sensitivity alongside decisive action. Only then will this declaration be recorded in history as an enduring achievement.