India Reports Major Gains Against Naxalism; Targets Complete Eradication by March 2026
SDG 16: Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions | SDG 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities
Institutions: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) | State Governments
The Government of India announced considerable progress in its counter-Left Wing Extremism (LWE) / Naxalism campaign on 15 October 2025, stating that the number of “most affected districts” has shrunk from six to just three (Bijapur, Sukma, Narayanpur in Chhattisgarh). The total number of LWE-affected districts has declined from 18 to 11 nationwide.
The press release reports that 312 LWE cadres were eliminated, 836 cadres were arrested, and 1,639 surrendered during this period. Among those surrendering were members of the Polit Bureau and Central Committee of the Maoist organisation.
India’s National Action Plan on LWE, combining intelligence-based operations, infrastructure deployment in security vacuums, targeting of leadership, streamlining welfare schemes, and state–centre coordination, is credited with these results. The Government reiterated its commitment to eradicate the Naxal menace entirely by 31 March 2026 under this multi-pronged strategy.
These figures show a decisive narrowing of the insurgency’s footprint. The state push into affected zones, welfare saturation, and coordinated security operations appear to be yielding results. Yet, sustaining gains will require continued convergence among security, development, and governance priorities in remaining districts.
What is Left Wing Extremism (LWE)?
Left Wing Extremism (LWE) refers to armed insurgent movements in India inspired by Maoist ideology, often called Naxalism (after the 1967 uprising in Naxalbari, West Bengal). These groups claim to fight for land rights and social justice for marginalised communities but employ violence, extortion, and intimidation against civilians, police, and development infrastructure.
LWE has historically affected parts of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, collectively known as the “Red Corridor.” Over the past decade, India’s combined strategy of security operations, development outreach, and governance reforms has drastically reduced the affected area and cadre strength.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
How can India ensure that areas cleared of LWE influence do not relapse, and how can development, policing, and community integration be balanced to sustain peace and equity?
Follow the full release here: Government reports progress on Naxal-affected districts and cadre neutralisation