‘Bharat Manthan-2025: Naxal Mukt Bharat – Ending Red Terror Under Modi’s Leadership’ was held in New Delhi, with Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah addressing participants on the nation’s progress in combating Left-Wing Extremism (LWE).
Home Minister paid tribute to those who lost their lives, endured injuries, or faced hardships due to Naxal violence since the 1960s. He emphasized that the primary obstacle to development in Naxal-affected areas is Naxalism itself, and those with weapons in hand are driven by ideology rather than concern for tribal communities. He underlined that the government’s approach combines strict action against armed Naxalites with rehabilitation opportunities for those who surrender.
Home Minister highlighted the transformation achieved under the Modi government over the past decade. From 126 Naxal-affected districts in 2014, the number has reduced to 18, with significant improvements in security infrastructure, including the establishment of 576 new fortified police stations, 336 CAPF camps, and 76 night-landing helipads. Between 2014 and 2025, over 1,225 Naxalites surrendered, 680 were arrested, and hundreds were neutralized, reflecting a strategy that balances enforcement with opportunities for reintegration.
Home Minister detailed targeted operations such as Operation Black Forest and joint training of DRG, STF, CRPF, and COBRA units, noting that improved intelligence, forensic analysis, and coordination with state governments have been pivotal in curbing insurgent activity. He also highlighted development interventions in Left-Wing Extremism areas, including roads, mobile towers, bank branches, schools, health centers, and social welfare programs, emphasizing that the lack of prior development was due to Naxal interference, not government neglect.
Home Minister also reflected on other security hotspots, noting progress in Jammu & Kashmir, where violent incidents and casualties have significantly declined since 2014, and in the Northeast, where peace agreements and surrenders of armed youth have reduced violence and integrated the region more closely with the rest of India.
Home Minister reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward armed violence, while providing avenues for peaceful surrender, asserting that by March 31, 2026, Naxalism will be eradicated from India.
