When leadership truly possesses the will to solve a problem, even the toughest challenges eventually bow down. The remarkable decline of Naxalism the country is witnessing today is a direct outcome of the unwavering resolve displayed by both the Central and State governments. Permanent peace is now gaining ground in Bastar, which was once known as the epicentre of Naxalism.

Faced with relentless administrative and strategic efforts, Naxal cadres are now surrendering or being eliminated in security operations. On the other side, villages that were cut off from progress for decades are finally witnessing the presence of roads, electricity, healthcare, education, and other essential facilities. The same tribal population that past governments and Maoists misled and kept away from democracy is today stepping into the mainstream of development. Even though Naxalism is now on its last breath, its decades-old wounds are deep and painful. The killing of hundreds of soldiers and innocent civilians, the deprivation of entire generations of development, and the perpetuation of an atmosphere of fear are all horrific legacies of Naxalism. In the early 2000s, Naxalism had reached its peak. Then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh described it as the “most serious internal security threat” to India, yet due to political hesitation and lack of resolve, successive Congress governments failed to take decisive action.

During those years, Naxal terror spread beyond Bastar to Rajnandgaon, Kawardha, and Gariaband. Their goal was to hoist the red flag from Dantewada to Delhi, which was actively supported by an urban ideological network. But the then governments ignored........

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