The Naxal movement occupies a revolutionary chapter in India’s political history. Born out of struggles for the rights of peasants, laborers, tribals, and other marginalized communities, this movement has endured for more than half a century. Originating in the village of Naxalbari in West Bengal in 1967, the movement’s name-“Naxalite”-derives directly from that village.

From Naxalbari to Maoism: a turning point in history

Influenced by revolutionary ideas from China, leaders such as Charu Mazumdar, Kanu Sanyal, and Jangal Santhal initiated an armed struggle in Naxalbari in 1967 to secure land rights for peasants. This uprising was not only about land reform; it was a revolution aiming for social equality.

The rallying cry-“Land should belong to those who till it, not to the land thieves”-gave birth to the Naxalbari movement. Yet, state repression and police shootings that killed many farmers hardened support for the Naxal ideology. Under Charu Mazumdar’s leadership, the CPI (ML) - Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) - was formally founded in 1969. Over time, however, splits and ideological differences pushed the movement in many directions.

Expansion in the 1980s - central India’s forests become refuge

By the 1980s, the movement had spread: parts of Andhra Pradesh-including the Singareni belt, Adilabad, Khammam, Vizianagaram, and agency areas of Visakhapatnam-became centers of Naxal activity. The movement also grew in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Bihar.

Their struggle took shape around tribal land rights and opposition to government policies on forest resources. In several areas Naxals positioned themselves as defenders of local justice; incidents such as the Karanchedu episode in Andhra Pradesh are cited in history as examples where Naxals acted to secure justice for victims.

State vs. revolution - an unending clash

The government has labeled Naxals a major internal security threat and launched multiple operations - “Operation Green Hunt,” “Operation Samadhan,” and more recently “Operation Kagaar.”

Operation Kagaar, launched by the central government in 2024, is a coordinated campaign involving armed forces, the CRPF, COBRA units, and state police in Naxal-affected areas. The stated aim is to eradicate Naxal outfits completely by March 31, 2026. The operation is primarily focused on forested zones such as Bastar, Sukma, Dantewada, and Gadchiroli.

The leader in the crosshairs: Hidma

The government’s primary target currently is Hidma-a tribal commander from Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region and a leading commander in the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) of the CPI (Maoist).

Hidma’s tactical acuity and deep knowledge of forested terrain have long challenged security forces. Numerous attacks have been linked to him-Dantewada in 2010 and the Sukma incidents of 2017 are among the most notorious. In Operation Kagaar he is a high-priority target; the Centre has called him one of the country’s most-wanted terrorists. Yet among some local tribals he is seen as a representative fighting for their rights.

The Centre’s goal - “end Naxal influence by 2026”

The Union Home Ministry has declared its intention to eliminate the Naxal movement from the country by March 2026. Official statistics claim that Naxal influence has already decreased in more than 90% of affected areas.

But the pressing question remains: Has the Naxal ideology truly died?

Military pressure can weaken the movement, but its root causes-injustice, inequality, corruption, and denial of land rights-remain. As long as these grievances persist, the underlying ideas will not be wholly eradicated.

Naxals - a voice for the people

Historically, the movement has at times stood up against arbitrary state policies. Born for the marginalized, against caste arrogance, and for land rights, the movement has secured a place in the public consciousness. Public opinion is mixed: some call them terrorists, others revolutionaries. But one thing is certain-the movement forced a nationwide conversation about social inequalities.

A turn toward political consciousness

If Naxal ideology is to change, it must move from the gun to the ballot box. Democracy-not violence-is the best route to transform people’s lives.

In some states, former Naxals have entered mainstream politics. For example, leaders from shades of CPI (ML) in Jharkhand have won local elections and are now serving the public. If the movement’s adherents across other regions similarly embrace democratic politics, it could pave the way for sustainable change.

The road ahead - equality, development, awareness

Resolving the Naxal problem cannot rely on military action alone. Development, education, employment, justice, and secure land rights are the true solutions.

If the government focuses on basic amenities-healthcare, education, irrigation and farming resources, and local self-governance-in tribal regions, the appeal of Naxal ideology will naturally decline. At the same time, Naxal leaders must pivot toward public politics and creatively rework their ideology into a platform of civic consciousness.

Conclusion

The Naxal movement is more than just an insurgency-it is a social mirror exposing India’s inequalities. Though born from a cry for land, rights, and dignity, the movement’s descent into violence cannot be denied. Yet the core impulse-the search for justice-still lives on.

The Centre may be able to dismantle Naxal units, but the struggle for justice in the hearts of people will remain part of history. Only if the movement transforms from an armed struggle into a movement of political awakening will it lead to true victory for the nation.