Is Naxalism Finally Ending? Massive Drop in Attacks as Government Eliminates 160+ Maoists in 3 Months

In a major achievement that showcases the government’s strong will and unwavering strategy, Naxalism in India has been significantly weakened. From dense forests of Chhattisgarh to remote hills of Karnataka, Maoist activities have been drastically reduced, thanks to continuous security operations and intelligent counter-insurgency efforts. The way the government has cornered and defeated these left-wing extremists in their own strongholds proves that India is marching confidently towards a Sashakt, Surakshit aur Samriddh Bharat. The story of how India is winning this long battle against Naxalism will compel every reader to go till the end of this article.

Home Minister Amit Shah, on April 1, 2025, boldly declared that the government is committed to uprooting Naxalism entirely by March 31, 2026. This was not just a statement – it reflected the real on-ground momentum already built by the forces and administration. A wave of successful encounters in recent months has underlined this determination. In March 2025 alone, two massive operations in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma and Bijapur districts led to the death of at least 46 Naxals. The first operation on March 20 in Bijapur saw 30 Maoists neutralized, and just days later, another 16 were gunned down in Sukma. These were not random killings – they were carefully planned security campaigns targeting Naxals during their strategic meetings.

February 2025 had already set the tone with one of the most significant operations when 31 Naxals were killed in a single day in Bijapur. These were not ordinary foot soldiers – they belonged to the banned CPI (Maoist) and were part of a deeply entrenched network in the Indravati National Park region. The same month, in Madhya Pradesh’s Balaghat, four high-profile female Maoists, including a wanted commander named Asha, were killed. Together, they carried a bounty of Rs 62 lakh and were accused in multiple criminal cases across states.

One of the biggest blows to the Maoist network came on January 22, 2025, when a top Central Committee leader, Ramachandra Reddy, also known as Chalapati, was killed in a high-level encounter near the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border. This 62-year-old mastermind was the same man behind the deadly 2018 attacks and carried a Rs 1 crore bounty. His elimination was a major strategic win for India’s internal security apparatus.

The government’s pressure isn’t limited to Chhattisgarh. In Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli, 12 Naxals, including divisional commander Vishal Atram, were neutralized in July 2024. Karnataka’s most wanted Maoist, Vikram Gowda – a man linked to nearly 80 violent cases – was taken down in a surgical operation in November 2024 near Udupi. Telangana too reported a massive breakthrough when seven Maoists, including senior leader Bhadru, were killed in Mulugu district in December.

What stands out is that the government’s approach is not just reactive but proactive. Security forces have not only eliminated armed extremists but have also encouraged high-profile surrenders. On January 2, 2025, 11 Naxalites, including Vimala Chandra Sidam – a top woman commander with a bounty of Rs 25 lakh and 66 cases – laid down their arms in Maharashtra. This surrender in front of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis marked a strong psychological victory.

States like Jharkhand, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Telangana, which once were hotbeds of Maoist activity, have also seen a visible reduction in such incidents. In West Singhbhum of Jharkhand, four hardcore Maoists, including zonal commanders, were eliminated in June 2024. From Visakhapatnam’s forests to Gaya’s hills, the pattern is the same – wherever security forces have reached with support from the government, Naxalism has lost ground.

The continuous decline in Naxal-affected districts is a result of coordinated efforts between central paramilitary forces and state police, guided by strong political will and strategic planning. Today, compared to a decade ago, the number of districts under serious Maoist influence has reduced drastically. Even those that still show activity are now under constant surveillance, with every movement of the Maoists being tracked and tackled swiftly.

This long fight against the so-called “red terror” has shown results not just through encounters and surrenders, but also through better road connectivity, mobile network expansion, and development schemes in tribal areas. The government’s twin strategy of hard policing and soft development has begun to yield powerful results.

India’s resolve to become a safer and stronger nation is evident in its success against Naxalism. The fight is still ongoing, but with every fallen Maoist leader and every surrendered commander, it is becoming clear – the days of fear and violence are being replaced by the dawn of peace and progress. Under this government, the vision of a Naxal-free India is no longer just a dream; it is fast becoming a reality.

ALSO READ: “22 Naxals Eliminated in Chhattisgarh in Two Separate Encounters: Here’s What is Driving Naxalism to Rapid End”