Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah says, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Central Government is moving forward with a ruthless approach against the Naxalites

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has announced a ruthless approach against Naxalites under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it relates to GS Paper 3, focusing on internal security challenges. Last Updated: 2025-03-24

Key Facts About the Government's Approach Against Naxalites

• Amit Shah emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy against Naxalites.
• 22 Naxals neutralized in operations in Bijapur and Kanker.
• India aims for Naxal-free status by March 31 next year.
• Since 2025, 90 Naxals killed, 104 arrested, and 164 surrendered.
• In the previous year, 290 Naxalites neutralized.
• 15 top Naxal leaders neutralized recently.
• Naxal violence incidents reduced by 53% since 2014.
• Casualties among security forces decreased by 73%.
• Civilian casualties dropped by 70%.
• Fortified police stations increased from 66 to 612.
• Naxal-affected districts reduced from 126 to 12.
• 302 new security camps established in the last five years.
• 68 night landing helipads created to enhance operations.
• Government focuses on socio-economic development alongside direct confrontation.
• Strategies reflect commitment to eradicating Left-Wing Extremism.

India's Internal Security and Development Goals

The aggressive stance against Naxalites is a significant step towards ensuring internal security, which is vital for India's economic and social development. Reducing Naxal influence aligns with the broader goal of achieving a stable environment conducive to growth. The reduction in violence and casualties underscores the effectiveness of current strategies, contributing to India's improved global security rankings.

Related Government Schemes/Policies

• Naxalmukt Bharat Abhiyan: Aims to eliminate Naxalism through strategic operations and socio-economic development.
• Integrated Action Plan: Focuses on development in Naxal-affected areas to address root causes.

UPSC Relevance

• GS Paper 3: Internal Security - Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its prevention.
• Prelims Angle: Questions could focus on statistics related to Naxal violence reduction, key operations, and government initiatives.
• Mains Angle: Essays could explore the effectiveness of government policies in combating Left-Wing Extremism, or the balance between security measures and socio-economic development.

FAQ Section

• What is the government's approach against Naxalites?

  The government, under PM Modi's leadership, has adopted a ruthless approach with a zero-tolerance policy, aiming for a Naxal-free India by March 31 next year.

• Why is the approach against Naxalites important?

  This approach is crucial for reducing violence and ensuring internal security, which is essential for India's socio-economic development and stability.

• What are the key features of the current strategy against Naxalites?

  Key features include significant reductions in violence, increased security infrastructure, and a focus on socio-economic development, with 302 new security camps and 68 night landing helipads established.