When a virus invades our body and threatens our health, we take all necessary steps to eliminate it. If we neglect it or assume it’s harmless just because it’s already within us, the consequences can be fatal. Likewise, if we liken our nation to a body, then Naxalism is a virus that has deeply entrenched itself over decades, thriving due to the negligence of past governments and the protection it received for political and conspiratorial reasons. As a result, the country has endured prolonged instability.
One of the most dangerous manifestations of this internal threat is Naxalism, which has now mutated into Maoism. Fortunately, the end is near for this insurgent ideology.
Security forces are successfully neutralising top Maoist leaders. These extremists, who have acquired weapons from foreign entities and declared war on their own country, are finally being rooted out through the determined efforts of the Indian government.
Internal enemy is more dangerous
While safeguarding our borders is essential, securing the nation from internal threats like Naxalism is even more critical. External enemies can be monitored and guarded against, but internal enemies—who camouflage themselves as revolutionaries, intellectuals, or rights activists—are much harder to detect. Driven by the misguided belief that power can be seized through the barrel of a gun, Naxalites took to the forests, evolved into Maoists, and launched a reign of terror. They have killed thousands of innocent civilians and security personnel—and continue to conspire to do more harm.
Their ideological supporters in colleges, universities, and public platforms pass on information, manipulate young minds, and build sympathies for these extremists under the guise of free speech and civil rights. Ironically, these very intellectuals send their own children to study abroad or secure plush jobs, while pushing poor, underprivileged children toward Maoist ideology—arming them with guns and sending them into the jungles.
The hypocrisy
When questioned why their own children don’t join the movement they so passionately preach, these so-called civil rights leaders often say, “Our children have their own choices. We won’t impose ideology on them.” This reveals the truth: their ideological preaching is not meant for action—only for inciting others. It’s this hypocrisy that misleads and ruins the lives of countless Indian youth.
For them, human rights apply only when Maoists are targeted. They remain silent when Maoists kill innocent villagers, tribals, and police officers. Maoists hide in forests, use tribal communities as shields, and kill those who refuse to support them—all to spread fear.
Foreign links and deadly conspiracies
There is clear evidence that Naxalites have received foreign weapons. In the past, they have maintained links with entities like China’s authorities and Sri Lanka’s LTTE. Anyone who collaborates with foreign powers to wage war against India cannot be considered merely misguided—they are enemies of the state.
From Andhra Pradesh alone, several leaders and officers have fallen victim to Maoist violence: Duddilla Sripada Rao, Madhava Reddy, Magunta Subbarami Reddy, and tribal MLA Kidari Sarveswara Rao, to name a few. Senior police officers like Vyas and Umesh Chandra were also assassinated. Even student leaders, like ABVP’s Mereddy Chandra Reddy, were killed in university hostels. What ideology justifies the murder of students?
Decline of Naxalism – Operation Kagar
The death of Maoist general secretary Nambala Keshava Rao in the Narayanpur forests of Chhattisgarh marked a major victory, acknowledged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. Their statements underscore the threat Naxalism poses and the urgency of eliminating it.
Recognising that internal insurgency is the greatest threat to India’s security, the government launched Operation Kagar in January 2024, aiming to eradicate Maoist influence from the Red Corridor by March 2026. Key target areas include Abujhmarh, Gadchiroli, Sukma, and West Singhbhum. Forces like the CRPF, COBRA units, DRG, STF, and state police are working together to restore peace.
From 106 Naxal-affected districts in 2015, the number has been reduced to just six by 2025. In 2024 alone, 287 Maoists were killed, and more than 200 have been killed in 2025 so far. Hundreds have surrendered. Villages once entirely under Maoist control, like Badesetti Panchayat, have been declared “Naxal-free.”
Development as a weapon against extremism
To counter Naxal influence, the government has made heavy investments in development. Over 7,768 mobile towers, 1,007 bank branches, 937 ATMs, and 5,731 post offices have been established in affected areas. Educational infrastructure has also improved—48 ITIs, 61 skill centres, and 178 Ekalavya Model Schools have been set up. Under the Special Central Assistance (SCA) scheme, Rs 30 crore annually is being provided to the most affected districts, and Rs 10 crore to others.
In contrast, Maoists have destroyed schools—131 in Chhattisgarh alone over the past five years—to block education and awareness among tribals. But the tide is turning. Tribal youth are rejecting Naxal ideology. Governments are creating pathways to a brighter future for them.
The end of the road
Once, Naxalism had a certain allure among the youth, driven by unemployment, corruption, and political turmoil. But today’s India offers opportunities, jobs, and infrastructure. Youth are chasing dreams, not guns. Naxalism, which thrived on despair, is collapsing in an era of hope.
With the fall of top leaders like Keshava Rao, the remnants of the movement are old, weakened, and desperate. The ideology of Naxalism is dead. Only a few violent extremists remain. Once they resorted to assassinations to make a statement; now, they are seen as mere criminals. Even their own cadres turn against them, branding one another as informers. The very people they claimed to fight for have rejected them.
Maoists must now realise that power cannot be seized with guns. If they truly want to help people, let them do so through democracy—not violence. Naxalism should mean service to the people, not slaughter.
S Vishnu Vardhan Reddy is Vice President, BJP Andhra Pradesh. He tweets @SVishnuReddy. Views are personal.
(Edited by Prashant)