Naxalism in India

The Chhattisgarh Cabinet recently approved the Chhattisgarh Homestay Policy 2025–30, aimed at boosting rural and tribal tourism, particularly in Naxal-affected areas like Bastar. It also announced youth welfare schemes, land allotment for sports and culture, and the promotion of affordable housing—initiatives aimed at inclusive development and local empowerment.

Overview of Naxalism in India

• Originated in Naxalbari, West Bengal in 1967; aims to overthrow the state via armed struggle.
• Operates primarily in the “Red Corridor”: tribal and forested regions across central and eastern India.
• Classified as one of India’s biggest internal security threats by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• In 2014, affected 126 districts across 10 states; as of 2025, reduced to 12 districts, mostly in Bastar (Chhattisgarh).

Historical Evolution

• Phase 1: Emergence (1967–1974)
  • Naxalbari Uprising (1967) – peasant revolt against landlords.
  • Formation of CPI (ML) in 1969; rejected electoral politics, advocated armed revolution.
  • Movement weakened after Charu Majumdar’s death in 1972.
• Phase 2: Regrouping and Expansion (1980s)
  • Formation of People’s War Group (PWG) in Andhra Pradesh.
  • Maoist Communist Centre (MCC) in Bihar and Jharkhand.
  • Spread to rural/tribal areas: Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Telangana.
• Phase 3: Consolidation (2000–Present)
  • Merger of PWG and MCC into CPI (Maoist) in 2004.
  • Establishment of People’s Guerrilla Army.
  • Peak violence in early 2000s with parallel Maoist governance structures in forested belts.

Causes of Naxalism

• Landlessness and failure of land reforms.
• Tribal exploitation and displacement due to mining projects.
• Poverty, illiteracy, and lack of infrastructure.
• Administrative neglect, corruption, and human rights violations.
• Unaddressed socio-economic grievances in mineral-rich but poor regions.

Major Naxalite Attacks

• Dantewada (2010): 76 CRPF personnel killed.
• Jehanabad Jailbreak (2005).
• Sukma attacks (2017, 2021).
• Indravati forest clash (2025): 31 Naxals killed – part of intensive anti-Naxal operations in Bastar.

Government Measures

• Security-Based:
  • Operation Green Hunt (2009), Unified Command, Greyhounds, Bastariya Battalion.
  • SAMADHAN Strategy: holistic counter-insurgency approach (Smart leadership, Actionable intelligence, Technology, etc.).
  • Establishment of COBRA and SIB intelligence units.
• Development-Based:
  • Forest Rights Act (2006) for tribal land rights.
  • Aspirational Districts Programme (2018): Many LWE-affected districts included.
  • ROSHNI Scheme: Skill development for tribal youth.
  • Civic Action Programme: Bridge between police and locals.
  • Infrastructure Projects: Roads, telecom, banking in LWE districts.
• Rehabilitation:
  • Surrender and rehabilitation policies for Naxal cadres with skill-building and monetary support.

Chhattisgarh’s Policy Interventions (2025)

• Chhattisgarh Homestay Policy (2025–30):
  • Promotes rural tourism in tribal-dominated areas like Bastar and Surguja.
  • Offers alternative livelihoods and reduces alienation in historically Naxal-prone areas.
  • Boosts income for tribal families via 'Vocal for Local'.
  • Encourages exposure of outsiders to tribal culture and eco-tourism.
• Land Allocation for Archery Academy & Kalagram:
  • Supports youth engagement, sports, and cultural revival – key tools in counter-radicalisation.
• Yuva Ratna Samman Yojana:
  • Incentivises youth involvement in constructive roles, countering Maoist narratives.
• Kifayati Awas Yojana:
  • Urban housing support for lower-income families—addresses urban migration pressure from conflict zones.

Challenges in Tackling Naxalism

• Difficult terrain and limited infrastructure.
• Deep-rooted grievances in tribal psyche.
• Insufficient intelligence and poor local trust in administration.
• Allegations of human rights abuses by security forces.
• Funding sources through illegal mining, extortion, and arms trafficking.

Way Forward

• Integrated Approach: Combine security operations with genuine development.
• Community participation in local governance, cultural promotion.
• Focus on education, health, and land rights in tribal belts.
• Strengthen local governance: Panchayats and tribal councils.
• Monitor mining and displacement projects to ensure fairness and rehabilitation.