Dr. Abhishek Verma, Research Analyst, at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis (MP-IDSA), delivered a presentation on “Decline of Left-Wing Extremism in India” during the Monday Morning Meeting held on 27 October 2025. Dr Pushpita Das, Research Fellow, MP-IDSA, moderated the session. Ambassador Sujan R. Chinoy, Director General of MP-IDSA, attended the meeting along with scholars from the Institute.

Executive Summary

The session examined the decline of left wring extremism, how the successive governments tackled the problem of left-wing extremism (LWE), and whether the problem can be eliminated from the country.

Dr. Verma traced the historical background of left-wing extremism in India, discussed the intensification of Maoist insurgency in India and subsequently explained the Union Government’s response to Maoist violence. He further explained how the Union Government strengthened counterterrorism cooperation, improved regional connectivity, and pushed for structural reforms. He also explained the current situation of left-wing extremism in India and challenges faced by the government in addressing these problems.

The question-and-answer round added further depth, as MP-IDSA scholars raised issues ranging from surrender of insurgents to the functioning of rehabilitation policies as well as various frontal organisation of the Maoist organisation.

Detailed Report

Dr. Pushpita Das began the session by explaining the genesis of Naxalite movement and intensification of insurgency with the creation of People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army. Further, she pointed out that the intensification of violence related to LWE compelled the then Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, to declare (in 2006) “LWE as one of the most potent internal security threats that the country was facing”.

Following Dr. Das’s introductory remarks, Dr. Abhishek Verma gave a detailed presentation on the decline of LWE in India and the Union Government’s approach towards it. He outlined the historical evolution of LWE in India, tracing its origins to the growing discontent of the 1940s which included the Telangana Peasant Rebellion. Subsequently, the insurgency continued in phases with intermittent revival of Maoist violence and crackdown by the security forces. The emergence of various Maoist factions and the expansion of their dominance across central India (post-1980s), ultimately contributed to the intensification of the Maoist movement. The trend further intensified due to the formation of the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army and the merger of CPI- (M-L) People’s War and Maoist Communist Centre. Reflecting the gravity of these developments, former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh characterised Naxalism as India’s most significant internal security threat.

Dr. Verma further elaborated on the Union Government’s measured security response, which emphasised modernising police forces, strengthening state capacities, and deploying paramilitary units in Naxal-affected regions, while deliberately avoiding large-scale militarisation.

Dr. Verma underlined the formation of Commando Battalion for Resolute Action in order to enhance operational capability for general warfare. On development front, initiatives like Integrated Action Plan and Road Requirement Plan were launched to improve governance and connectivity in LWE affected districts. He noted that the government sought to address long-standing grievances related to land acquisition by enacting the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act in 2013. The law attempted to rectify issues that had historically fuelled discontent, particularly forced displacement and the loss of livelihoods without proper compensation. Dr. Verma also referred to several major attacks on security forces—such as the Sukma–Bijapur incident (2021) in Chhattisgarh—which exposed continuing gaps in operational planning, weaknesses in intelligence sharing, and inadequate readiness for guerrilla-style tactics. At the same time, these episodes highlighted the need for a more coordinated and technology-oriented strategy. It was against this backdrop that the Union Home Minister introduced the SAMADHAN Doctrine, an approach built around smart leadership, an assertive strategy, improved training and motivation, actionable intelligence, monitoring through dashboards and key performance indicators, the use of technology, sector-specific action plans, and tighter control over the financial channels available to extremist groups.

Looking back over two decades, Dr. Verma described how India has intensified its counter-Maoist operations, weakening the insurgency through coordinated security and developmental measures. He explained the state’s approach of integrating intelligence-led operations with governance reforms to address the root causes of the conflict. He also highlighted India’s success in dismantling Maoist leadership structures, through targeted eliminations and surrender policies. Further, he pointed out the decline in recruitment, shrinking territorial expanse and internal fragmentation as positive outcomes of sustained pressure. At the same time, he admitted that challenges like implementation gaps, the tribal welfare issue and persistent tribal alienation still remain.

Ambassador Sujan R. Chinoy stated that the government needs to be appreciated for the progress made while addressing the LWE challenge. However, he cautioned that in the presence of conditions that gave rise to LWE, the insurgency may resurface. He acknowledged the pressing need for development that genuinely includes local communities and respects their tribal history, cultural traditions, land rights, natural resources, and ways of life. He further underscored the need to critically examine how even large democracies can inadvertently marginalise such groups, and to consider how these states can reintegrate and uplift communities that have been left behind, doing so with sincerity and commitment.

Questions and Comments

Dr. Ashok Behuria offered valuable insights on the cultural predispositions within society, noting the deep sense of alienation and exclusion experienced by many communities. Dr. Verma concurred with his assessment, emphasising that cultural hierarchies and broader structural issues linked to them constitute the core underlying causes that must be addressed to resolve the problem effectively. Several other participants raised substantive queries during the discussion. Dr. Om Prakash Das sought clarification on how security operations are being conducted in Chhattisgarh. Mr. Niranjan C. Oak asked whether retired Agniveer personnel might influence the future trajectory of the Maoist movement. Dr. Deepika Saraswat raised questions regarding the concept of the Red Corridor, the meaning of a unified command structure, and its operational role, particularly in border areas. Dr. Nihar R. Nayak, after commending the presentation, questioned the actual effectiveness of the government’s approach, noting that while the state has focused primarily on military campaigns, political mobilisation by Maoists remains active. Deputy Commandant, ITBP, Mr. Selopal, referred to conversations with colleagues deployed in LWE-affected regions, highlighting a shift among surrendered cadres from acting as informants to seeking stable livelihoods and development opportunities, and the need for policies and infrastructure to support this transition. Col. Rajneesh Singh, drawing on his experience in Jammu & Kashmir, pointed out policy gaps whereby surrendered Naxalites struggle to receive clearance certificates, depriving them of government rehabilitation benefits and employment opportunities despite attending skill development programmes.

Responding to these queries, Dr. Verma explained that operational challenges in Chhattisgarh have stemmed partly from security forces’ limited familiarity with local terrain and guerrilla tactics. This gap is now being addressed by integrating surrendered Naxalites into operational planning, improving situational awareness and adaptability. On the potential role of retired Agniveers, he remained open and agreed that this emerging dimension warrants further examination. Clarifying the issue of unified command, he noted that Naxalite movement across state borders—such as between Chhattisgarh and Telangana, creates jurisdictional complications, making coordinated inter-state action essential. On the broader assessment of government effectiveness, he acknowledged the validity of concerns that while military operations have weakened Maoist capacities, political mobilisation persists and requires greater attention. Dr. Abhishek also agreed with observations about the evolving aspirations of surrendered cadres and the need for supportive developmental policies. Finally, he concurred fully with Col. Rajneesh Singh on the shortcomings in rehabilitation mechanisms, emphasising the need for policy reform to ensure that surrendered individuals receive timely legal clearances, benefits, and meaningful opportunities for reintegration.

Report prepared by Mr. Jai Verma, Intern, Defence Economics and Industry Centre, MP-IDSA, New Delhi.