The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) reported in October 2025 that the number of highly affected Left Wing Extremism (LWE) districts has dropped to just three — Bijapur, Sukma, and Narayanpur — all in Chhattisgarh. This represents a dramatic decline from 126 districts across 10 states that were once classified as LWE-affected. The government's multi-pronged strategy — comprising security operations, surrender and rehabilitation policies, and targeted development under the SAMADHAN doctrine — has been credited for this success. The reduction is significant for Rajasthan as well, since Banswara and Pratapgarh districts in the state were historically considered LWE-sensitive areas.
Naxalism at Historic Low: Only 3 Districts Remain Highly Affected, Says MHA
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) reported in October 2025 that the number of highly affected Left Wing Extremism (LWE) districts has dropped to just three — Bijapur, Sukma, and Narayanpur — all in Chhattisgarh. This represents a dramatic decline from 126 districts across 10 states that were once classified as LWE-affected. The government's multi-pronged strategy — comprising security operations, surrender and rehabilitation policies, and targeted development under the SAMADHAN doctrine — has been credited for this success. The reduction is significant for Rajasthan as well, since Banswara and Pratapgarh districts in the state were historically considered LWE-sensitive areas.
Key facts
- Only 3 districts — Bijapur, Sukma and Narayanpur in Chhattisgarh — remain highly LWE-affected as of October 2025.
- This is a dramatic decline from 126 districts across 10 states previously classified as LWE-affected.
- The SAMADHAN doctrine combining security operations, rehabilitation and development drove this reduction.
- The Ministry of Home Affairs reported this historic low in Naxal-affected areas.
- Rajasthan's Banswara and Pratapgarh districts were historically considered LWE-sensitive areas.
- India's multi-pronged counter-Naxal strategy is credited for this significant achievement.
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Under which doctrine has the government pursued its multi-pronged strategy to tackle Left Wing Extremism?
The government's multi-pronged strategy — comprising security operations, surrender and rehabilitation, and targeted development — is pursued under the SAMADHAN doctrine.
Source: Ministry of Home Affairs
Frequently asked questions
How many districts remain highly affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE) as of October 2025?
As of October 2025, only 3 districts — Bijapur, Sukma, and Narayanpur, all in Chhattisgarh — remain classified as highly LWE-affected. This is a sharp decline from 126 districts across 10 states that were previously in this category.
What is the SAMADHAN doctrine and what role did it play in reducing Naxalism?
SAMADHAN is India's multi-pronged counter-Naxal strategy combining security operations, surrender and rehabilitation policies, and targeted development in LWE-affected regions. It is credited by the Ministry of Home Affairs as the primary driver behind the historic reduction in Naxal-affected districts.
Which ministry reported the historic low in Naxal-affected areas in 2025?
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) reported in October 2025 that Naxalism has reached a historic low, with only 3 highly affected districts remaining across India.
Which Rajasthan districts have been historically associated with LWE sensitivity?
Banswara and Pratapgarh in Rajasthan have historically been considered LWE-sensitive areas, though the overall national trend shows a dramatic reduction in such regions due to government counter-measures.
What was the previous extent of LWE-affected districts in India before the recent decline?
Previously, 126 districts spread across 10 states were classified as LWE-affected in India. This number has now fallen to just 3 districts, all in Chhattisgarh, as of October 2025.
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