Contexts

Naxalism in India traces its roots back to the Naxalbari uprising of 1967 in West Bengal, which was inspired by Marxist-Leninist ideology. The movement initially began as a peasant revolt against feudal oppression, primarily focusing on the exploitation of landless farmers by landlord classes. Over the years, this grassroots movement evolved into a wider insurgency, characterized by armed struggle against the Indian state, with the primary objective of establishing a communist state through violence. The Naxalite ideology emphasizes the need for revolution to achieve social justice, particularly for marginalized communities, including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other disadvantaged groups who have historically suffered under systemic inequalities and state repression. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, various factions of the Naxalite movement emerged, leading to fragmentation. However, the core tenets remained consistent - the fight against imperialism, feudalism, and capitalism. In the 1990s, Naxalism gained prominence as several Maoist groups unified to form the Communist Party of India (Maoist), which heralded a renewed focus on armed struggle and insurgency. This period saw an increase in violent encounters and civil unrest, with the government responding through a mix of military and developmental strategies, attempting both to combat the insurgents and address the socioeconomic grievances that fueled the movement. As the 21st century progressed, Naxalism posed significant challenges for Indian governance. The spread of Naxalite influence was primarily concentrated in the so-called "Red Corridor," spanning several states including Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Odisha. According to various reports, millions of people were affected by Naxalite violence, with human rights abuses on both sides of the conflict becoming increasingly common. The government adopted a dual approach, involving forceful counterinsurgency operations while also attempting to implement welfare schemes aimed at improving the living conditions of the rural poor, which directly addressed some of the roots of the discontent that fueled Naxalism. In recent years, the Indian government has claimed successes in reducing Naxalite violence through consistent counterinsurgency efforts and localized development programs. However, the persistence of deep-seated issues such as poverty, lack of education, and social injustice in tribal areas continues to challenge governmental attempts to eradicate Naxalism completely. As of 2025, while the movement has seen some decline, it is evident that holistic solutions, involving dialogue, socio-economic reforms, and addressing the grievances of the affected populations, are necessary to foster lasting peace and stability in the affected regions.