Years of bloodshed that achieved nothing

Naxalism and Maoism, which remained the biggest threat to the internal security of the country, are now on their deathbed. These organisations, which had active links with anti-national forces inside and outside the country, have shed countless blood to achieve revolution through armed struggle. However, in India, every drop of blood they shed and the atrocities committed only pushed them further away from the citizens. Naxalism in India began with a violent revolutionary uprising organised in a village called Naxalbari in West Bengal in the late sixties.

Charu Majumdar, inspired by the ideas of Mao Zedong in China, summoned the lower classes of society to fight against the landlords, the upper class and the state in Naxalbari. Although their demands were justifiable, the path they chose to achieve this goal was through violence and bloodshed. Even dedicated youngsters to academicians were attracted to this ideology of armed struggle. In India, the ethos of the country is founded in peace and tranquillity. It is this same culture of non-violence and perseverance that helped the country achieve Independence from the British.

Anyone aware of the structure of the Indian social system could have predicted that the seeds of revolution and violence would not germinate here. At one time, about a hundred districts in India were under the threat of Naxals. Various groups, even armed with sophisticated weapons, were operating in about ten states of India. Over the years, their power waned due to the frictions that arose within. In 2010, the Maoist threat was present in 96 districts, but in 2021, it was reduced to 41 districts. Now, only 28 districts are under a slight threat of Maoist threats.

The state of Chhattisgarh is at the forefront when it comes to the Maoist threat. Wayanad and Kannur districts in Kerala also continue to be hotspots of Maoist presence. After the Narendra Modi-led central government came to power in 2014, a 'zero tolerance policy' was implemented against the Maoists. The mission was well planned and precise that the Naxals had no choice but to lay down their arms.

The Communist Party of India (Maoist) has written to the central government and the chief ministers of Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, confirming that the group will surrender by February 15, 2026.

Maoist spokesperson Anant also said in the letter that they want to be part of the government's rehabilitation plan. The centre will take a positive stance if the Maoists completely lay down their arms. A movement that has shed blood for decades is ending on Indian soil without achieving anything.