India’s Final Push to Eradicate Naxalism: Operation Kagar Marks a Turning Point

On October 31, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed his government’s unwavering resolve to eradicate Naxalism and Maoist terrorism from India. Addressing the nation on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Modiji lauded the launch of Operation Kagar, calling it a defining step toward ensuring that internal terrorism finds “no place in a new and developed India.”

With this renewed initiative, the government aims to bring a conclusive end to a decades-long insurgency that once gripped large swathes of India’s heartland. “We will not rest until this menace is eliminated,” Modiji declared, highlighting the dramatic decline in Naxal-affected regions over the past decade.

Image from OpIndia

A Historical Context: From a Widespread Insurgency to a Shrinking Footprint

The Naxalite–Maoist insurgency, rooted in the late 1960s, initially emerged as a radical peasant uprising against perceived exploitation and land inequality. Over time, however, the movement evolved into a violent insurgency spanning multiple states — including Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, and Maharashtra — collectively known as India’s “Red Corridor.”

By 2014, nearly 125 districts were severely affected by Naxal activity, disrupting governance and threatening national security. Over the past decade, concerted counterinsurgency efforts have brought this number down to just 11 districts, with only three facing significant insurgent presence.

According to data from the Ministry of Home Affairs, this marks one of the sharpest internal security turnarounds in recent history, reflecting the success of integrated operations and improved governance at the grassroots level.

Operation Kagar: The New Phase of India’s Counter-Insurgency Drive

Operation Kagar represents the government’s most comprehensive campaign yet to root out the final remnants of Maoist terrorism. Under this mission, coordinated action between state police forces and central paramilitary units is being reinforced with advanced surveillance, better infrastructure, and strategic community engagement.

The goal is clear — a Naxal-free India by March 2026. Officials describe the campaign as an “endgame phase,” built upon earlier successes under the National Policy and Action Plan (NPAP) launched in 2015.

According to government data, violent incidents linked to Left Wing Extremism (LWE) have dropped by over 70 percent in the past decade. Security forces have neutralized or captured hundreds of active cadres, while more than 10,500 insurgents have surrendered voluntarily — a sign that the movement’s ideological and operational influence is in steep decline.

Combining Security with Development

While the military dimension remains crucial, the Modi government has emphasized that the true success of Operation Kagar will depend on ensuring sustainable development in former conflict zones.

New roads, bridges, and communication networks are being built in tribal and forested areas that were once inaccessible. The Left Wing Extremism Division of the Home Ministry oversees welfare projects and ensures direct government presence in villages that had long remained disconnected from state institutions.

Development programs such as Aspirational Districts Mission, PM Gram Sadak Yojana, and Digital India initiatives are being strategically aligned with security efforts to ensure local empowerment. “Our focus is not just to eliminate extremism, but to replace fear with opportunity,” Modiji said during his address.

Persistent Challenges and Ground Realities

Despite remarkable progress, challenges persist. Dense forests, difficult terrain, and social alienation in regions like Bastar (Chhattisgarh) and parts of Jharkhand and Odisha continue to provide limited safe havens for remaining insurgents.

Analysts warn that the underlying socio-economic issues — such as land rights, displacement due to mining, and lack of representation for tribal communities — must be addressed if the peace achieved through Operation Kagar is to last.

Reports also suggest that while the operational strength of Maoists is waning, isolated attacks still occur, signaling the insurgents’ ability to regroup sporadically. Maintaining vigilance and continuing development beyond the immediate campaign will thus be essential for a lasting resolution.

A Broader Vision: From Conflict to Integration

The government views the success of Operation Kagar as more than just a counterterrorism victory. It aligns with Modiji’s larger vision of national unity and development, where every region — no matter how remote — is fully integrated into India’s socio-economic framework.

The campaign is not merely about neutralizing insurgents but reclaiming trust, ensuring that tribal and rural populations feel represented, connected, and included in the narrative of a modern India.

As Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently noted, the decline of Naxal influence is a “symbol of India’s rising internal strength,” made possible through the combined will of security forces and citizens.

The MGMM Outlook

Operation Kagar marks a crucial moment in India’s long-standing battle against internal extremism. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, this initiative is not just a counterinsurgency measure but a reflection of India’s renewed determination to end decades of fear and instability. The dramatic reduction in Naxal-affected districts — from 125 to merely 11 — showcases how coordinated governance, local empowerment, and consistent national will can transform even the most troubled regions. Operation Kagar embodies the government’s message that a new, developed India cannot progress while burdened by internal violence.

The government’s focus on building infrastructure, empowering tribal communities, and integrating remote regions resonates deeply with the ideal of serving humanity through development. As India pushes toward a Naxal-free future, it demonstrates how strength and compassion must coexist — eliminating violence while nurturing opportunity. Operation Kagar thus symbolizes a turning point where peace, progress, and national integrity walk hand in hand.

(Sources: OpIndia, Times of India, NDTV)