Defence & SecurityImportant2026-02-08

Target Set for Complete Eradication of Naxalism

In News

What Happened

On February 8, 2026, Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level security review meeting in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. During the session, he reaffirmed the central government's strict deadline to completely eradicate Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) by March 31, 2026. The strategy emphasizes a security-first approach, the aggressive dismantling of Naxal financial networks, and the rapid expansion of forward operational bases in core affected zones.

Why It Matters

Eradicating LWE is vital for securing India's internal stability and unlocking the socioeconomic potential of the resource-rich 'Red Corridor'. Complete elimination of this threat will facilitate the integration of marginalized tribal communities into the mainstream and ensure unhindered infrastructure development.

Background

History & Context

Left-Wing Extremism, which originated from the 1967 Naxalbari uprising in West Bengal, grew into one of India's most severe internal security challenges. To systematically counter this, the Ministry of Home Affairs launched the SAMADHAN doctrine in 2017, focusing on smart leadership, aggressive strategy, actionable intelligence, and choking terror financing. Persistent operations and development schemes have drastically reduced LWE violence over the last decade, shrinking its geographic spread and setting the stage for the March 2026 eradication deadline.

What Changed

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BEFORE: Operations primarily relied on state police with limited central coordination and vast geographical vacuums. NOW: The strategy utilizes expanded Forward Operational Bases embedded deep within core Naxal strongholds to ensure a persistent security presence and rapid response.
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BEFORE: Naxal financing networks largely operated unchecked through local extortion and illicit mining levies. NOW: Multi-agency crackdowns specifically target and choke these financial pipelines, strictly adhering to the 'No access to financing' pillar of the SAMADHAN doctrine.
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BEFORE: State interventions were predominantly reactive and military-focused, leaving developmental gaps. NOW: A robust twin-track approach actively combines security sweeps with accelerated infrastructure projects, such as building roads and setting up mobile towers, supported by the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme.

Prelims Angle

NCERT Connection

This development directly connects to Class 12 Political Science Chapter 8, 'Regional Aspirations', which explores various sub-national movements and challenges to the Indian state. While many regional movements operate within the democratic framework, LWE represents a violent, extra-constitutional insurgency, demonstrating how the state must balance stringent security measures with deep developmental interventions to resolve historical alienation.

Practice Questions

Q1

With Reference To

With reference to the central government's strategy against Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), consider the following statements: 1. The SAMADHAN doctrine focuses exclusively on the socio-economic development of LWE-affected districts without any kinetic military component. 2. The Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme provides central funding for training, operational needs, and ex-gratia payments to victims of Naxal violence. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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