Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the 86th CRPF Raising Day in Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh.
- Announced: Naxalism will be completely eliminated by March 31, 2026.
CRPF Raising Day
- Celebrated every year on March 19 (flag presentation in 1950 by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel).
- 2024 parade held on April 17 as part of extended celebrations
Role of CRPF
- CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) – India’s largest paramilitary force under MHA.
- Described as “backbone” of anti-Naxal operations.
- Key contributor to internal security in:
- Kashmir Valley (post-Article 370 abrogation).
- Northeast peace efforts.
- Ensuring free & fair elections across India.
- Counter-terror actions (Parliament attack 2001, Ayodhya 2005).
CoBRA Battalion – Commando Unit of CRPF
- Full form: Commando Battalion for Resolute Action.
- Specialised in guerrilla & jungle warfare.
- Key player in neutralising top Naxalite leadership.
What is Naxalism?
- Definition: Naxalism is a violent Left-Wing Extremist (LWE) movement inspired by Maoist ideology, seeking to overthrow the Indian state through armed rebellion.
- Origin: Named after Naxalbari village in West Bengal, where a peasant uprising in 1967 triggered the movement.
- Main Group: Communist Party of India (Maoist) – formed by merging CPI(ML) People’s War and Maoist Communist Centre of India.
- Banned under: Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967.
- Geographic Spread: Active in the “Red Corridor” – parts of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, Maharashtra, etc.
Root Causes of Naxalism
- Landlessness & Exploitation:
- Unequal land ownership.
- Exploitation by landlords/moneylenders.
- Poverty & Underdevelopment:
- Lack of healthcare, education, jobs in tribal/rural areas.
- Tribal Alienation:
- Displacement due to mining/industrial projects without proper rehabilitation.
- State Neglect & Police Excesses:
- Weak state presence.
- Police brutality and custodial deaths.
Current Status of Naxalism
- Naxalite activity now confined to just 4 districts.
- Drastic reduction in violence in Naxal-affected areas (>70% decline).
- Earlier ambitions of red corridor “from Pashupatinath to Tirupati” neutralized.
India’s Multi-Pronged Strategy to Counter Naxalism
- National Policy and Action Plan on LWE (2015)
- Combines security, development, and governance in affected areas.
- Security Operations
- Operation Green Hunt: Launched to eliminate Naxal strongholds.
- Forces Involved:
- Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs): CRPF, BSF, ITBP, etc.
- Special Units:
- CoBRA (CRPF) – jungle warfare specialists.
- Greyhounds (AP) – elite anti-Naxal force.
- 400+ Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) established.
Development & Connectivity
- Road Connectivity Project under PMGSY-II: Enables troop movement and local development.
- Universal Service Obligation Fund (Digital Bharat Nidhi):
- Mobile towers installed to improve communications.
- ROSHNI Scheme:
- Skill development and job training for rural youth.
- Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS):
- 130 schools for tribal education in LWE areas.
- ITIs and Skill Centres established in LWE districts.
- Tribal Youth Exchange Programs by NYKS to connect youth with mainstream.
Legal Framework
- UAPA, 1967: Declares Maoist groups as unlawful.
- Forest Rights Act, 2006: Grants land & forest produce rights to tribals.
- PESA Act, 1996: Empowers Gram Sabhas in Scheduled Areas for self-governance.
Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation Policy
- Incentives:
- Financial aid, training, housing.
- Social reintegration.
- Goal: Bring misguided youth back into the mainstream.
Progress Made (2014–2024)
| Metric | 2014 | 2024 |
| LWE-Affected Districts | 126 | 12 |
| Naxal Incidents (10-Year Span) | 16,463 (2004–14) | 7,700 (2014–24) |
| Security Force Casualties | High | ↓ 73% |
| Civilian Casualties | High | ↓ 70% |
| Fortified Police Stations | 66 | 612 |
