9 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

4 min

Polity & GovernancePolity & GovernanceNEWS

Amit Shah: India to be Naxal-Free by March 31

Home Minister Amit Shah sets March 31 deadline to eliminate Naxalism.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a security review meeting in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, focusing on Left Wing Extremism (LWE). He stated that the country would soon be free from Naxalism by March 31. He emphasized the need for coordination between state and central agencies to prevent Maoists from escaping to other states. The meeting included officials from Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Telangana, along with directors general of various security forces.

Key Facts

Amit Shah chaired a security review meeting in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.

The meeting focused on Left Wing Extremism (LWE).

The government aims to eliminate Naxalism by March 31.

Coordination between state and central agencies is emphasized.

Officials from Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Telangana attended the meeting.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper III: Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism

GS Paper II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

Focus on the socio-economic factors contributing to LWE and the government's strategies to address them.

Visual Insights

LWE Affected States in India

Map showing states discussed in the meeting regarding Left Wing Extremism.

Loading interactive map...

📍Chhattisgarh📍Odisha📍Maharashtra📍Jharkhand📍Telangana

More Information

Background

Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India has a long history, rooted in socio-economic inequalities and historical injustices. The movement's origins can be traced back to the Naxalbari uprising in West Bengal in 1967. This uprising, led by radical communist leaders, protested against the exploitation of landless laborers and farmers. The term 'Naxalism' is derived from Naxalbari. Over the decades, the Naxalite movement spread to other parts of India, particularly in states with significant tribal populations and dense forests. The movement gained traction due to factors such as land alienation, displacement, lack of access to resources, and ineffective governance. Different Naxalite groups emerged, with the Communist Party of India (Maoist) becoming the most prominent. The CPI (Maoist) aims to overthrow the Indian state through armed struggle and establish a communist society. The government has responded with a multi-pronged approach involving security measures and development initiatives. The Indian Constitution guarantees certain rights to its citizens, including the right to equality and the right to life and personal liberty, as enshrined in Article 14 and Article 21 respectively. However, the lack of effective implementation of these rights, especially in marginalized communities, has contributed to the persistence of Naxalism. The government has implemented various policies and programs to address these issues, including land reforms, poverty alleviation schemes, and infrastructure development projects. The effectiveness of these measures has been debated, and challenges remain in ensuring inclusive and equitable development.

Latest Developments

The government has adopted a multi-pronged strategy to counter LWE, focusing on security measures, development initiatives, and improved governance. The security approach involves deploying central armed police forces (CAPFs) and strengthening state police capabilities. Development initiatives aim to address the socio-economic grievances that fuel Naxalism. These include infrastructure development, employment generation, and access to education and healthcare. Schemes like MGNREGA and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana are crucial in this regard. There are ongoing debates about the effectiveness of the government's approach. Some argue that a purely security-centric approach is counterproductive and can alienate local communities. Others emphasize the need for stricter law enforcement to curb Naxalite violence. Civil society organizations and human rights activists have raised concerns about human rights violations by security forces in LWE-affected areas. The role of NITI Aayog in coordinating development efforts in these regions is also being scrutinized. The government aims to eliminate Naxalism by focusing on development and security. Key targets include improving infrastructure, providing livelihood opportunities, and strengthening local governance. The success of these efforts depends on effective coordination between central and state governments, as well as the participation of local communities. Challenges remain in addressing the root causes of Naxalism and ensuring sustainable development in affected areas. The use of technology, such as drones and surveillance systems, is also being explored to enhance security operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Left Wing Extremism (LWE) and why is it important to understand for the UPSC exam?

Left Wing Extremism (LWE), also known as Naxalism or Maoism, refers to a violent movement rooted in socio-economic inequalities and historical injustices. Understanding LWE is crucial for the UPSC exam because it relates to internal security, governance, and socio-economic development challenges in India. The movement's origins trace back to the Naxalbari uprising in 1967.

2. What are the key facts about the government's strategy to eliminate Naxalism that are important for Prelims?

The government's strategy involves a multi-pronged approach focusing on security measures, development initiatives, and improved governance. Key facts include the deployment of central armed police forces (CAPFs) and strengthening state police capabilities. Development initiatives aim to address socio-economic grievances. Remember the March 31 deadline announced by Amit Shah.

Exam Tip

Focus on the three pillars of the government's strategy: Security, Development, and Governance.

3. What is the historical background of Naxalism in India?

Naxalism originated from the Naxalbari uprising in West Bengal in 1967, led by radical communist leaders protesting against the exploitation of landless laborers and farmers. The term 'Naxalism' is derived from Naxalbari. Over the decades, it spread to other parts of India, fueled by socio-economic inequalities and historical injustices.

4. Why is the Union Home Minister emphasizing coordination between state and central agencies to combat Naxalism?

Coordination is crucial to prevent Maoists from escaping to other states and to ensure a unified and effective response. A lack of coordination can allow insurgents to exploit gaps in security and governance, hindering efforts to eliminate Naxalism.

5. What are the socio-economic factors that contribute to the rise and persistence of Naxalism?

Naxalism is fueled by socio-economic inequalities, historical injustices, lack of access to resources, and inadequate governance in marginalized areas. These factors create a sense of alienation and resentment among the affected populations, making them vulnerable to Naxal influence.

6. What are the potential challenges in achieving the goal of making India Naxal-free by March 31?

Potential challenges include the complex terrain in Naxal-affected areas, the deep-rooted socio-economic issues, and the ability of Maoists to adapt their strategies. Sustaining coordination between state and central agencies and ensuring effective implementation of development initiatives are also critical challenges.

7. Which states are most affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE) according to the news article?

The states mentioned in the news article as being part of the security review meeting are Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Telangana. These are among the states most affected by LWE.

8. What government initiatives, besides security measures, are being used to address Naxalism?

Government initiatives include development projects aimed at improving infrastructure, providing education and healthcare, and creating livelihood opportunities in Naxal-affected areas. These initiatives seek to address the socio-economic grievances that fuel Naxalism.

9. How does the government's approach to Naxalism impact common citizens in affected areas?

The government's approach can impact common citizens by improving security, providing access to essential services, and creating economic opportunities. However, it can also lead to displacement, restrictions on movement, and potential human rights concerns if not implemented carefully.

10. What is the significance of the March 31 deadline set by Amit Shah?

The March 31 deadline signifies the government's commitment to eliminating Naxalism within a specific timeframe. It serves as a target for security forces and administrative bodies to intensify their efforts and achieve tangible results. However, the feasibility of achieving this target depends on various factors.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India: 1. The Naxalbari uprising in 1967 is considered the starting point of the Naxalite movement. 2. The Union Home Minister recently stated that India would be Naxal-free by March 31. 3. LWE is primarily concentrated in states with minimal tribal populations. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Naxalbari uprising in 1967 is widely regarded as the beginning of the Naxalite movement in India. Statement 2 is CORRECT: According to the news summary, the Union Home Minister stated that India would be Naxal-free by March 31. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: LWE is primarily concentrated in states with significant tribal populations and dense forests, not minimal tribal populations. These areas often face socio-economic challenges and historical injustices.

2. Which of the following factors has NOT contributed to the rise and persistence of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India?

A.Socio-economic inequalities
B.Historical injustices
C.Effective implementation of land reforms
D.Lack of access to resources

Show Answer

Answer: C

Option C is the correct answer. The lack of effective implementation of land reforms, rather than effective implementation, has contributed to the rise and persistence of LWE. Socio-economic inequalities, historical injustices, and lack of access to resources are all factors that have fueled Naxalism.

3. Consider the following statements: 1. The recent security review meeting regarding Naxalism was chaired by the Union Home Minister in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. 2. The meeting included officials from Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Andhra Pradesh. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 only
B.2 only
C.Both 1 and 2
D.Neither 1 nor 2

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The news summary explicitly states that the Union Home Minister chaired the security review meeting in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The meeting included officials from Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Telangana, not Andhra Pradesh.