As the March 31, 2026, deadline looms for India to become Naxal-free, security forces are intensifying their operations, focusing on the remaining strongholds of Left Wing Extremism (LWE). The final phase of intelligence-based operations is underway, targeting what authorities call the "Big 4" – the last bastions of Naxal influence in the country.
The government has set an ambitious goal to eradicate Naxalism by March 2026, and recent developments suggest significant progress in this direction. A unified and sustained counter-insurgency strategy has been implemented, combining security operations, improved intelligence coordination, advanced surveillance technologies, and targeted development interventions in tribal regions.
The number of LWE-affected districts has drastically reduced. At its peak in 2010, the "Red Corridor" covered approximately 17% of India's landmass, with an estimated 20,000 Naxal cadres. Now, the movement is confined to a few forested pockets, with only 11 districts across the country reporting Naxal activity. These are primarily concentrated in parts of Chhattisgarh, specifically Sukma, Bijapur and Narayanpur.
Recent successes highlight the effectiveness of the multi-pronged approach. In Jharkhand, security forces eliminated 15 Maoists, including a top Central Committee Member, Patiram Manjhi alias Anal Da, in a major anti-Naxal operation in the Saranda forest. Following the operation, two more bodies of Maoists were recovered. The Saranda and Kolhan regions are considered the last Maoist strongholds in Jharkhand, and authorities are confident in meeting the national target within the stipulated timeframe. Security agencies estimate that the active Maoist strength in Jharkhand has fallen to between 50 and 60 cadres.
In Odisha, Nabrangpur district was declared "Naxal-free" after nine Maoists, including seven women carrying a total bounty of Rs 47 lakh, surrendered in neighboring Chhattisgarh. These Naxalites operated in Nabarangpur and Chhattisgarh's Dhamtari district. With their surrender, Nabarangpur has become free from Naxal activity. Maoist influence in Odisha is now limited to pockets of seven districts: Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Bolangir, Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, and Boudh.
The year 2025 saw a large number of surrenders by Naxalites, indicating a shift in their mindset. As many as 258 Naxalites surrendered in Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra in 2025. A record 170 Naxalites surrendered in Chhattisgarh in the second week of October alone. Many of those who surrendered were carrying significant bounties.
The decline in violence is evident when comparing the periods of 2004-2014 and 2014-2024. Naxal incidents decreased by 53%, from 16,463 to 7,744, respectively. By 2022, total casualties linked to Naxal violence fell below 100 for the first time in three decades.
While challenges remain, the focus is now on ensuring security, sustainable livelihoods, and better alternatives for communities affected by Naxal violence as the deadline approaches. The ultimate goal is to integrate former Naxalites into the mainstream society. The success of these final operations will determine whether India can achieve its goal of becoming Naxal-free by March 2026.
