Naxalism is one of the most persistent internal security challenges India has faced since independence. Often referred to as the Maoist insurgency, Naxalism is a radical left-wing movement that aims to overthrow the existing democratic structure and replace it with a communist society through armed struggle. Rooted in agrarian distress, social inequality, and class conflict, the movement has evolved into a complex and widespread insurgency. This article traces the origins and evolution of Naxalism, its ideological foundations, and the phases of its growth in India.

The Historical Roots of Naxalism

Telangana Peasant Rebellion (1946–1951)

The roots of Naxalism can be traced back to the Telangana Peasant Rebellion, which occurred between 1946 and 1951. This was a mass uprising by landless peasants in the princely state of Hyderabad against feudal landlords.

• Key Issues: Extreme land exploitation, bonded labor, and lack of land rights.
  
• Leadership: The rebellion was influenced by communist ideologies and led by activists associated with the Communist Party of India (CPI).
  
• Although the rebellion was eventually suppressed, it laid the groundwork for future armed resistance against social and economic inequality.
  

The Naxalbari Uprising: The Birth of Naxalism

The 1967 Uprising in West Bengal

The modern phase of Naxalism began with the Naxalbari uprising in 1967 in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. This event marked the formal birth of the Naxalite movement, which would later grow into a national-level insurgency.

• Key Leaders: Charu Majumdar, Kanu Sanyal, and Jangal Santhal were the major figures behind this armed peasant revolt.
  
• Aim: The objective was to initiate an agrarian revolution by forcibly redistributing land from landlords to poor farmers.
  
• Support: The movement received support from oppressed peasants and was hailed as the "Spring Thunder" by the People’s Republic of China.
  

Initial Government Response

The state responded with a combination of armed suppression and police operations. While the initial rebellion was crushed, Naxalism did not die. Instead, it spread to other parts of India, including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand.

Ideological Foundations of Naxalism

Maoist Influence

Naxalism was heavily inspired by Mao Zedong’s ideology of protracted people's war. This strategy involves mobilizing peasants and gradually expanding control from rural to urban areas.

• The idea of class warfare and overthrowing the capitalist state remains central to the ideology.
  
• Naxalism believes that violence is a necessary tool for dismantling the existing socio-political order.
  

Charu Majumdar’s Doctrine

Charu Majumdar developed what is known as the "Historic Eight Documents", which became the guiding principles for Naxalites.

• He argued for an immediate and violent revolution without compromise or participation in the democratic process.
  
• His doctrine emphasized the need to boycott elections and eliminate class enemies, including landlords, policemen, and state officials.
  

The Spread and Evolution of Naxalism

Expansion in the 1970s and 1980s

After the death of Charu Majumdar in police custody in 1972, Naxalism splintered into various factions. However, the ideology remained strong and continued to spread, especially in tribal and rural regions.

• New Groups Emerged: People’s War Group (PWG), Maoist Communist Centre (MCC), and others took forward the agenda.
  
• These factions focused on mobilizing tribals and landless peasants in central and eastern India.
  

Merger and Formation of CPI (Maoist)

In 2004, two of the most powerful factions, the PWG and MCC, merged to form the Communist Party of India (Maoist).

• This unification made the Naxalite movement more organized and dangerous.
  
• The newly formed CPI (Maoist) expanded its activities across the Red Corridor—stretching from Andhra Pradesh to Nepal.
  

Social Conditions Fueling Naxalism

Naxalism thrives in areas marked by:

• Land alienation: Especially in tribal regions where forest rights are denied.
  
• Unemployment and poverty: Lack of development and job opportunities.
  
• Exploitation: Economic and social discrimination against Dalits, Adivasis, and other marginalized groups.
  
• Poor governance: Corruption and lack of access to public services deepen people’s frustration with the state.
  

These conditions provide fertile ground for Naxalites to recruit cadres and justify their armed struggle.

Government Response to Naxalism

Counter-Insurgency Operations

The Indian government has launched several military and paramilitary operations to combat Naxalism, including:

• Operation Green Hunt in 2009, which mobilized thousands of troops against Maoist strongholds.
  
• Setting up of security camps, increased patrolling, and use of UAVs for surveillance.
  

Development as a Strategy

Recognizing that military solutions alone are not enough, the government adopted a "clear-hold-develop" strategy.

• Emphasis on building roads, schools, and health centers in affected areas.
  
• Launch of the Integrated Action Plan (IAP) for tribal and backward districts.
  
• Empowering local governance through Panchayati Raj Institutions to counter Maoist propaganda.
  

Criticism and Human Rights Concerns

While the government’s response has had some success, it has also attracted criticism.

• Human rights violations: Allegations of fake encounters, torture, and harassment of innocent villagers.
  
• Lack of dialogue: Civil society has often called for a more dialogue-based approach to resolving the Naxalite issue.
  
• Several activists have been arrested under anti-terror laws, raising questions about misuse of power.
  

Current Status of Naxalism in India

Decline in Violence

Recent reports suggest a decline in Naxalite-related violence, thanks to a mix of military action and socio-economic development.

• The number of affected districts has reduced.
  
• However, the core ideology of Naxalism still persists, especially in isolated and underdeveloped areas.
  

Shift in Strategy

Modern Naxalism has adapted:

• Use of guerrilla warfare techniques.
  
• Greater focus on urban recruitment and ideological indoctrination in universities and civil society groups.
  
• Use of technology and digital platforms to spread propaganda.
  

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

To effectively counter Naxalism, India must adopt a balanced strategy that combines security operations with social and economic development. It is essential to address the root causes—poverty, injustice, and inequality—that give rise to such movements. Equally important is the need to safeguard human rights and promote inclusive governance in tribal and backward regions.

Only through a holistic and inclusive approach can India hope to eliminate Naxalism and ensure lasting peace and justice for all its citizens.