India has been grappling with a persistent Maoist insurgency, also known as Naxalism or Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), for decades. Originating in 1967, the movement, fueled by socio-economic disparities, land disputes, and tribal rights issues, has resulted in violence, governance disruption, and loss of life across several states. While recent government reports indicate a decline in LWE-affected districts due to sustained counter-insurgency efforts, the question remains: can India truly eradicate this jungle insurgency, and at what cost to human rights and the affected communities? The government aims to eliminate Naxalism by March 2026.

Government Strategies and Recent Developments

The Indian government has adopted a multi-pronged strategy to counter Naxalism, combining security operations with developmental initiatives and rehabilitation programs. Key elements of this approach include:

• Security Measures: "Operation Green Hunt," launched in 2009, involves military offensives against Naxal groups by paramilitary forces like CRPF and state police. The "Unified Command Strategy" coordinates security operations across LWE-affected states. Enhanced intelligence networks, increased local policing, and deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) are also crucial components.
• Development Initiatives: Addressing regional disparities through schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, focusing on education and infrastructure development in affected areas, and ensuring transparent implementation of welfare schemes.
• Rehabilitation and Engagement: Encouraging Naxalites to reintegrate into society through rehabilitation programs and engaging in dialogue with local communities.

Recent operations, such as "Operation Black Forest" and "Operation Kagar," have targeted Maoist strongholds, resulting in the elimination of key leaders and the dismantling of insurgent infrastructure. Nambala Keshava Rao, a top CPI (Maoist) commander, was killed along with 26 others in Chhattisgarh in May 2025, marking a "decisive strike" against the insurgency. Operation Black Forest dismantled a Maoist base in the Kurragutta hills along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border, leading to the elimination of 31 Maoists and the destruction of key Maoist outfits' headquarters.

The Human Cost and Ethical Concerns

While the government touts these operations as successes, concerns remain about the human cost, particularly for Adivasi (Indigenous) communities. Activists and human rights groups allege that many of those killed in these operations are innocent Adivasis, not Maoists. There are accusations of fake encounters and extrajudicial killings by security forces. Soni Sori, an Adivasi social activist, believes the government should halt operations, foster dialogue, and initiate peace talks, stating that Bastar has been turned into a "warzone."

Reports indicate a rise in killings of alleged Maoists with minimal security force losses, raising concerns about excessive force. The bounty system, offering rewards for dead Naxalites, has been criticized for potentially incentivizing extrajudicial killings. Furthermore, the increasing paramilitary presence in Bastar, with the establishment of numerous forward operating bases (FOBs), is seen as a "suffocating security grid" closing in on the Adivasi population. The push to convert these FOBs into permanent "Integrated Development Centres" has been termed a "dystopian euphemism" for detention centers.

Challenges and the Path Forward

Despite the government's efforts and claims of progress, significant challenges remain:

• Addressing Root Causes: Critics argue that the government's approach is primarily militaristic and fails to address the underlying socio-economic issues that fuel the insurgency, such as land rights, lack of infrastructure, and marginalization of tribal communities.
• Winning Hearts and Minds: A purely kinetic approach to counter-insurgency may alienate the local population and further exacerbate the conflict. Building trust and ensuring local participation in security and development efforts are crucial.
• Ensuring Accountability: Addressing allegations of human rights violations by security forces and ensuring accountability for extrajudicial killings and other abuses are essential for maintaining the rule of law and preventing further radicalization.

Eradicating India's jungle insurgency requires a balanced approach that combines security operations with socio-economic development, community involvement, and a commitment to human rights. While the government's measures have led to a decline in Naxal influence, achieving a lasting peace requires addressing the root causes of the insurgency, ensuring inclusive development, and upholding the rights and dignity of all affected communities. A shift from a purely militaristic approach towards inclusive growth, land reforms, and social justice is essential for achieving a sustainable peace and preventing further human suffering.