The Centre’s sustained multi-pronged strategy against Left Wing Extremism has led to a sharp decline in Naxal influence across the country, with the number of affected districts reduced from 126 in 2014 to just 11 in 2025, officials said on Friday.
According to official data, the number of most-affected districts has fallen from 36 to only three, signalling the near-collapse of the so-called Red Corridor that once spanned large parts of central and eastern India. The government has set a target of making the country completely Naxal-free by March 2026.
Violence linked to Naxalism has declined significantly over the past decade. Between 2004–2014 and 2014–2024, violent incidents dropped by 53 per cent, while deaths of security personnel fell by 73 per cent. Civilian fatalities declined by 70 per cent during the same period, reflecting improved security and development outreach in affected regions.
Operational outcomes have intensified in recent years. In 2025 so far, security forces have neutralised 317 Naxals, arrested over 860 and facilitated the surrender of nearly 2,000 cadres. In 2024, 290 Naxals were neutralised, more than 1,000 arrested and 881 surrendered. A total of 28 senior Naxal leaders, including Central Committee members, were eliminated during 2024–25.
Infrastructure expansion has played a critical role in curbing Naxal dominance. Since 2014, over 12,000 kilometres of roads have been constructed in affected areas, along with 586 fortified police stations, 361 new security camps and 68 night-landing helipads. Mobile connectivity has expanded rapidly, with over 8,500 mobile towers operational, improving communication and intelligence gathering in remote regions.
The government has also targeted Naxal finances through coordinated action by central and state agencies. Assets worth more than ₹92 crore have been seized by agencies including the National Investigation Agency and the Enforcement Directorate, significantly weakening Maoist funding networks.
Financial inclusion initiatives have expanded banking and postal services to remote areas, with the establishment of over 1,800 bank branches, 1,300 ATMs and nearly 38,000 banking correspondents. Education and skill development programmes have also been launched, with 46 Industrial Training Institutes and 49 Skill Development Centres now functional in affected districts.
Security forces have reclaimed several long-standing Naxal strongholds through sustained operations, including areas in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Bihar that were under Maoist control for nearly three decades. Permanent camps have been established in previously inaccessible regions, including parts of the Abujhmad forest area.
The Centre’s surrender and rehabilitation policy has further accelerated the decline of the movement. Under the scheme, surrendered cadres receive financial assistance, skill training and livelihood support. More than 500 Naxals have surrendered in 2025 alone.
