The recent surge in anti-Naxal operations under the leadership of India’s Home Minister, Amit Shah, marks a disturbing escalation in the government’s approach to dissent in marginalized areas. India’s strategic focus has increasingly shifted from addressing the root causes of the Naxalite insurgency to employing a militarized solution that relies on heavy-handed tactics. As anti-Naxal operations intensify, there is a conspicuous absence of political will to address the legitimate demands of the Naxalite-affected regions, where over 60-70% of the population lives below the poverty line. The government’s continued reliance on force, rather than dialogue or reforms, highlights the extent to which the Hindutva-driven Modi regime has abandoned its social responsibility to these neglected communities.
The Indian government’s response to the Naxalite insurgency has primarily involved brutal military encounters that often result in the deaths of tribal people, leading to deepening alienation. In a particularly alarming development, security forces killed 32 Naxalites in a span of one week, demonstrating the shift towards lethal, confrontational tactics rather than efforts to seek a peaceful resolution. Despite this escalation of violence, the government has failed to fulfill its promises to the Naxalite-affected populations, including key issues such as land rights, jobs, agricultural reforms, and access to healthcare.
One of the most troubling aspects of the anti-Naxal strategy is the military’s increasing footprint in areas that were once primarily civilian. The establishment of three forward bases by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in core Naxalite areas marks a clear pivot towards military hubs designed to intensify anti-Naxal operations. These bases, intended to combat insurgency, are not only militarizing the region but also exacerbate the suppression of dissent and the violation of fundamental rights.
As India’s security forces wage an unrelenting war against insurgents, the human rights violations in regions such as Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and Naxalite-affected areas continue to rise. The Indian government’s increasing use of military force to suppress these movements represents a troubling trend of militarization, which curtails civil liberties and silences the voices of marginalized communities. Despite repeated assurances from the government, the basic grievances of these communities remain unaddressed.
International human rights bodies have already criticized India for its treatment of minorities, women, and civil society. In March 2024, UN experts issued a scathing rebuke of India, highlighting systemic attacks on vulnerable populations, including tribal groups, who have been subjected to forced land seizures and military reprisals. These violations reinforce the Naxalites’ claims of government neglect, turning the conflict into a cycle of violence that perpetuates rather than resolves the underlying issues.
The Naxalite insurgency, though a symptom of systemic governance failures, is often misconstrued as mere terrorism by the Indian state. By labeling Naxalite groups like the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) and the CPI-Maoist as terrorist organizations, the government has effectively shut down avenues for political engagement, further escalating the conflict. Rather than seeking dialogue and reconciliation, the government’s actions have cemented the position of insurgents as an existential threat, driving both sides into an unrelenting battle with no clear end in sight.
Moreover, the ongoing violence has claimed thousands of lives. According to U.S. Department of Justice reports, between 1996 and 2024, between 12,877 and 15,269 people have lost their lives in the conflict. These statistics underline the profound human cost of the government’s militarized approach to what is essentially a political and socio-economic problem.
The failure to integrate marginalized groups into the national fabric is emblematic of the larger crisis facing India’s diverse population. From rising discontent among religious minorities to separatist movements, the government’s failure to address the needs of these communities has led to a fragmentation of the Indian Union. The Naxalite insurgency is, in many ways, a byproduct of this failure—a movement fueled by the neglect of tribal populations and their lack of access to basic resources and rights.
While the military’s continued use of force may yield short-term tactical victories, experts argue that the long-term solution to the Naxalite insurgency lies in development and reconciliation, not further militarization. Key to resolving the conflict is a focus on inclusive growth, social justice, and addressing the root causes of the insurgency, such as poverty, landlessness, and inadequate healthcare.
For this reason, international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) and human rights organizations must continue to pressure the Indian government to abandon its counter-insurgency methods in favor of more humane approaches. Only by prioritizing development, political engagement, and social justice can India hope to address the underlying causes of the Naxalite insurgency and pave the way for lasting peace.