Published: 22 February 2026DD News / ORF / The Geostrata / OrganiserDefence Security
Naxalism in Terminal Decline: Government Declares Left-Wing Extremism Near Eradication, Most-Affected LWE Districts Fall to Zero
By February 2026, the Indian government formally declared Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), commonly known as Naxalism, to be in its 'final phase' of decline. Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that Naxalism had been 'more or less wiped out' from Bastar — the historic epicentre of Maoist insurgency in Chhattisgarh — with the Red Corridor that once spanned ten states now reduced to isolated pockets in Bastar and the Jharkhand-Bihar border.
The number of active armed Naxal cadres has collapsed from over 2,000 in 2024 to approximately 220 by early 2026. In 2025 alone, 317 Naxals were neutralised in security operations, over 800 were arrested, and nearly 2,000 surrendered voluntarily. This was achieved through the sustained 'Samadhan' (Solution) doctrine — a five-pronged strategy integrating security operations, improved intelligence, development outreach, surrenders and rehabilitation, and denial of logistics support.
Key milestones included the elimination of top Maoist leadership including Nambala Keshava Rao (General Secretary, CPI-Maoist), landmark surrenders from district commanders, and the opening of new police stations in previously inaccessible areas. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) prosecuted funding networks under UAPA, drying up financial pipelines. For Rajasthan, while never a core LWE-affected state, the tribal belt of Banswara, Dungarpur, and Pratapgarh — with linkages to Adivasi communities — benefit from the replication of 'development-as-security' strategies through MGNREGS, PM Awas Yojana, and tribal welfare schemes.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the current status of Naxalism in India as of February 2026?
By February 2026, the Indian government declared Naxalism in its 'final phase'. Active Naxal cadres have been reduced from over 2,000 to approximately 220, and the Red Corridor has shrunk to isolated pockets in Bastar (Chhattisgarh) and the Jharkhand-Bihar border.
What is India's 'Samadhan' doctrine for counter-Naxal operations?
The 'Samadhan' doctrine is India's comprehensive counter-Naxal strategy that focuses on simultaneous security operations, accelerated development of tribal areas, and surrender incentives for Naxalites. It is a multi-pronged approach combining security, governance, and rehabilitation to eliminate left-wing extremism.
Where did the Naxal movement originate and what is its ideological basis?
The Naxal movement originated in 1967 in Naxalbari village of West Bengal, inspired by Maoist (Communist) ideology. It advocated armed peasant revolution against landlords and the state, and later spread to central and eastern India forming what came to be known as the Red Corridor.
Which security force leads counter-Naxal operations and what is its specialized unit?
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) leads counter-Naxal operations in affected areas through its specialized CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) commando units. These units are specially trained for jungle warfare and counter-insurgency operations in Naxal-affected territories.
What were the key statistics of anti-Naxal operations in 2025?
In 2025 alone, 317 Naxalites were neutralised, 800 were arrested, and 2,000 surrendered under the Samadhan doctrine. These figures represent a significant acceleration in the government's push to eliminate left-wing extremism from India.
