Naxal Ideologies : A multifaceted exploration within

the Indian socio-political landscape

Ramnarain ruia college

Political science

Group members- Mohit Gohil 1124, Khushi Udeshi 1210, Vaishnavi Devadiga
1316, Parth Dharod 1318

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Serial Number Topics Contribution
1. Abstract and Introduction
pg 3
2. Litreture review
3. Research Argument and
Methodology
4. History and Rural Khushi Udeshi 1210
Naxalism
5. Evolution of Urban Mohit Gohil 1124
Naxalism from (pain to
pen)
6. Digital medium used for
Naxalism
7. Red money Analysis Vaishnavi Devadiga 1316

8. Government strategies Parth Dharod 1318

and its critical evaluation
9. Conclusion
10. Bibliography

Abstract:

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Left Wing Extremism (LWE), manifested in the form of Naxalism, has emerged as a persistent
challenge for the Indian state since its inception in 1967. This research paper delves into the
historical roots and transformation of Naxalism, exploring its profound impact on various facets
of society, politics, internal security, and the economy. Notwithstanding its relatively subdued
presence in mainstream media, the gravity of the situation is unveiled through compelling data:
from 2009 to 2019, India witnessed 1850 terror attacks, but the Naxalite insurgency accounted
for 2045 attacks, resulting in casualties among military personnel and civilians twice as high as
those in traditional terrorist incidents. Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh aptly
declared Naxalism as the "greatest threat to our country.

Introduction :
Left Wing Extremism, synonymous with the formidable challenge posed by Naxalism, stands as
a persistent and intricate threat to the foundations of the Indian state, deeply rooted in leftist
ideologies. Originating in 1967, Naxalism has undergone a nuanced evolution, transitioning from
a movement against feudal oppression to embracing secessionist aspirations. Despite its
profound historical implications, the issue has not consistently commanded attention within
mainstream media, perhaps overshadowed by other geopolitical narratives. However, empirical
evidence spanning the period from 2009 to 2019 forcefully emphasizes the gravity of the
situation, revealing a stark reality where Naxal attacks have outpaced traditional terror incidents
in both frequency and casualties.
The seeds of Naxalism were sown in India by the Communist Party of India (Maoist), founded
by the eminent M.N Roy. Central to their ideology is the belief that the Indian state is controlled
by imperialists, elites, and the bourgeoisie, i.e., capitalists. Their ultimate objective is the
establishment of a "People’s government" through what they term as a New Democratic
Revolution, conceptualizing their armed struggles as a 'People’s war.' The formation of the
CPI(Maoist) resulted from the amalgamation of the People’s War Group and the Maoist
Communist Centre of India, a merger that remains contentious. While some perceive these
entities as champions of the oppressed, others vehemently condemn their employment of violent
methods and the resultant impacts on civilian populations.
This research seeks to delve into the historical roots and evolution of Naxalism in rural and urban
India, analyzing its ideological foundations and contemporary manifestations. By navigating
through the intricate layers of this insurgency, the study aims to contribute to a more nuanced
understanding of the multifaceted challenges posed by Naxalism, thereby informing future policy
considerations and strategic responses.

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Litreture Review:
Articles:
Maoism: A Global History – how China exported revolution around the world
The article discusses Julia Lovell's book "Maoism: A Global History", which examines how
Mao-era China exported communist revolution around the world from the 1960s onwards. It
established itself as a headquarters for revolutionaries in places like Cambodia, Italy. Lovell
analyzes Maoism's influence globally through engaging anecdotes and heavily researched details
on these various insurgencies inspired by Mao's model of agrarian socialism and peasant-based
revolution.
A historical introduction to Naxalism in India :
The article talks about the Communist Party of India (Maoist) that aims to seize land and
redistribute it, resulting in human rights violations and deaths.
Ideological differences led to the creation of Naxalism, with the CPI-Maoists is aiming to
overthrow the Indian government. Naxalites use terror tactics, ambushes, and coercion, leading
to civilian casualties and funding through illegal activities.The Indian government implements
policies to combat Naxalites, but faces challenges in development and public perception.
Naxalites procure arms allegedly from China and maintain connections with Maoist parties in
South Asia, posing a threat to Indian security.
Red Money analysis
Books:
"India's Maoist Movement: A Reader" edited by Nandini Sundar (2011) This collection likely
features essays from various viewpoints, providing a nuanced understanding of the movement's
ideology, history, and social impact.
Multiple Perspectives: By including a range of viewpoints, the reader can gain a well-rounded
understanding of the complex issue of Naxalism.
In-depth Analysis: Scholarly essays likely delve deeper than news reports, offering a more
critical and analytical perspective.
Historical Context: The book may explore the historical roots of Naxalism, providing insights
into its current manifestations.
"Naxalism in India" by Pravin Swami (2006) offers a historical and political perspective on the
Naxalite movement.
Articles:
“The political economy of Naxalism in India" by Jean Dreze (2010) examines the social and
economic factors contributing to Naxalism. It examines the Naxalite movement through the lens
of social and economic factors. The article explores how these issues, such as limited access to

4
land for tribal communities, displacement due to development projects, and corruption, create
fertile ground for Naxalite ideology to take root.
“Financing the Indian Maoists" by Rohan Gunaratna (2010) explores the various sources of
income for Naxalite activities.
Limitations: The text relies much on news reports, which may lack the same level of rigor as
academic research. Additionally, the information presented may be biased. Scholarly sources can
offer a more balanced and critical perspective.
Conclusion: Naxalite activities in India pose a significant challenge. Understanding their funding
sources is crucial for crafting effective counter-insurgency strategies. This review highlights the
diverse sources of Naxalite income, including extortion, levies, and potential corporate
connections.
Title: An Introduction to Naxalism in India: Study Paper by EFSAS
The European Foundation for South Asian Studies (EFSAS) provides an overview of Naxalism
in India, including its historical roots, ideological underpinnings, and contemporary
manifestations. This comprehensive study serves as a valuable resource for understanding the
complexities of Naxalism and informing policy interventions.

Title: Left-Wing Extremism Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) of India hosts the Left-Wing Extremism Division on its
official website, dedicated to addressing issues related to Naxalism and other left-wing extremist
activities in the country. The division's role includes coordinating efforts to combat left-wing
extremism, implementing developmental initiatives in affected areas, and providing assistance to
state governments in dealing with Naxalite violence. The MHA's division serves as a key
resource for policymakers and stakeholders involved in countering Naxalism and promoting
security in affected regions.
Press Release on "Left Wing Extremism" by pib.gov.in
This government press release doesn't provide specific data but highlights the Indian
government's perspective on Left Wing Extremism (LWE). It condemns the CPI (Maoist)
ideology of violent overthrow and emphasizes offering them talks within the constitutional
framework.

Title: Naxalites Recruiting Children in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh: UN Report

An article from Times Of India including a UN report that highlights the recruitment of children
by Naxalites in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, underscoring the humanitarian concerns associated
with Naxalite activities.

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Title: Strengthening Security in Naxal-Affected Areas: Perspectives from the Fence
An opinion piece from the Times of India discusses strategies for strengthening security in
Naxal-affected areas of India, emphasizing the importance of addressing root causes of
Naxalism, such as poverty and lack of development. The article advocates for robust law
enforcement measures to combat insurgency and suggests a multifaceted approach combining
developmental initiatives with targeted security operations to effectively address the Naxalite
threat.

Title: Reducing Naxalite Footprint in Gadchiroli: Police Perspective

A news article from The Hindu reports on the shrinking footprint of Naxalites in Gadchiroli,
Maharashtra, as stated by the police. Efforts to curb Naxalite recruitment and weaken their
strength in the region are highlighted, offering insights into law enforcement strategies and their
impact on Naxalite activities. This perspective indicates progress in addressing Naxalism in
specific areas.

Title: The Urban Naxal Saga: A Closer Look at the Recent Crackdown on Activists
This is an article from "Counter Currents" which examines the crackdown on activists labeled as
"urban Naxals" by the Indian government, critiquing the use of the term to target dissenting
voices and suppress civil liberties.

Title: Violation for Justice: Naxalism and Social Media

This article by Medium explores the use of social media by Naxalites. It likely doesn't offer data
or legal analysis but might be a source for understanding their communication strategies.

Title: Field Notes from the Underground: Recruitment into the Naxalites
An article from ISB Insights presents field notes on recruitment into the Naxalite insurgency
based on interviews with former Naxalites, exploring motivations and experiences of individuals
joining Naxalite groups.

Title: Greyhounds in Search of Home in Andhra Pradesh

An opinion piece from The Hindu discusses the relocation of Greyhounds, an elite anti-Naxalite
force, to Andhra Pradesh, exploring challenges and implications of integrating them into the
state's anti-Naxalite operations. This analysis provides insights into evolving dynamics of
counterinsurgency efforts.

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Title: 1.MHA reply in Rajya Sabha in the document "R.S.US.Q.NO.365 FOR 20.07.2022"
The article highlights a significant decline in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) violence in India,
with incidents decreasing by 77% from 2009 to 2021 and security personnel casualties also
reducing. The geographical spread has contracted, with fewer districts affected by LWE violence
and a decrease in districts covered under the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme. The
National Policy and Action Plan launched in 2015 encompasses security measures, development
interventions, and rights of local communities. The government provides support to LWE-
affected states through various means including Central Armed Police Forces assistance,
infrastructure projects, training, and funding for modernization. Development initiatives focus on
road network expansion, telecommunication connectivity improvement, skill development,
financial inclusion, and the establishment of fortified police stations. Collaboration with other
ministries is emphasized for the effective implementation of schemes in LWE-affected regions,
reflecting a holistic approach to tackling the LWE menace in India.

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Reasearch Argument:
Analysis of Naxalism in Indian context and give Possible solution.

Research Methodology:
This research has employed both the streams of data collection i.e. primary and secondary
PRIMARY DATA:
→ Articles or documents from website of Government of India were used to understand the
present scenario and perspective of government
→ Articles from Times of India, The Hindu and other prominent sources provided us with the
accounts of certain incidents, reporting of impacts caused by Naxalism.
→ Interview: We have taken interview of two individuals
1) First interviewee is a person who is affiliated with alleged organisations of the left
2) Second interviewee is a person who has themselves witnessed the left wing extremism
The main motive was to understand their perspectives and experiences.

SECONDARY DATA:
→ News Articles: Articles that provided an analytical view for the situation were undertaken for
reading
→ Journals: Research papers were read to extract the essence of Naxalism and research in this
area, along with case studies.
→ Books: To understand the history, certain chapters/part of books giving historical account of
this issue were taken into account.

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History of naxalism:
Naxalism originated as a rebellion against lack of development and poverty at the local level in
the rural parts of eastern India. Naxalism is actually based on the principles of Maoism to
achieve a similar transformation in India. Naxalite, general designation given to several Maoist-
oriented and militant insurgent and separatist groups that have operated intermittently in India
since the mid-1960s. More broadly, the term-often given as Naxalism or the Naxal movement -
has been applied to the communist insurgency itself.

Origin of Maoism:
Maoism is a communist philosophy introduced in China by Mao Zedong. It is a doctrine based
on the principles of Marxism-Leninism. However, Maoism has its own distinct revolutionary
outlook that sets it apart from Marxism-Leninism in that it envisions the peasant class leading the
revolution rather than the proletariat class.

Difference between Maoism and Naxalism in India:

The birth of Naxalism is pinpointed to the Naxalbari uprising of spring 1967. Naxalbari, the
village that gave its name to the movement, was the site of a peasant revolt, instigated by
communist leaders against land owners of the State. While at that point, India had been
independent from the British for 20 years, the country had retained the colonial land tenancy
system. Under the British imperial system, indigenous landlords were granted pieces of land in
return for their collection of tax revenue and as in Medieval European feudal systems, these
landlords subleased their land to peasants for half their yield. As shown by the 1971 census,
nearly 60% of the population was landless, the lion's share of land being owned by the richest
4%.
Naxalite groups generally have claimed to represent the poorest and most socially marginalized
members of Indian society (notably tribal peoples and Dalits) and to adhere to the Maoist
doctrine of sustained peasant- led revolution. For decades they have waged guerrilla warfare
against such targets as landlords, businesspeople, politicians, and security forces, and they have
disrupted infrastructure by damaging transportation, communication, and power lines. In the
process, they often have been able to establish bases of operation in remote forested areas.
Naxalite groups have come to control large territories in many of the states of eastern India-
notably Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Orissa, and West Bengal-and their
influence has spread even wider beyond those areas. Often Naxalite groups have taken over
governing functions and provided social services within areas under their control, although they
also have been accused of using harsh enforcement tactics.

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Different aspects of Rural Naxalism

1. Aim: Beyond Material Gains

While establishing a communist state through armed revolution remains the core objective, rural
Naxalism is driven by more than that. It thrives on deep-seated grievances amongst marginalized
communities, particularly adivasis (tribals), who feel excluded from the benefits of development
and were subjected to oppression. Some of the central themes are Land redistribution, social
justice, economic inequality, tribal liberation, and anti-imperialism. It provides fertile ground for
Naxalite ideology to take roots and challenge the existing socio-political structure. It is a
communist insurgency that aims to seize land from oppressors and redistribute it to the people.

2. Prominent Leaders & Ideologies: Shaping the Narrative

Charu Majumdar, along with Jangal santhal and Kanu Sanyal, laid the foundation of Rural
Naxalism. They were inspired by Mao Zedong ideology. This stream of ideology emphasizes
armed struggle against the state and the establishment of a classless society. They adapted this
stream of thoughts to Indian context. Kanu Sanyal emphasized guerilla warfare tactics and mass
mobilization. Today, Muppala Laxman Rao and Kobad Ghandy lead the CPI(Maoist) and are
considered to be the primary figures. Their writings, along with writings of figures like Narayan
Sanyal and Ramachandra Guha, offer valuable insights into the motivations and strategies of the
movement.

3. Methods of Persuasion & Execution:

Naxalites employ a multi-dimensional approach to win hearts and minds. Naxalites use the
Maoist ideology to garner ground-level support from the oppressed masses. They have been able
to establish bases of operation in remote forested areas. Propaganda plays a key role. Pamphlets,
social media posts, and cultural activities are carried out to propagate the ideology and highlight
perceived injustices. Naxalites employ a mix of ideological manipulation and armed struggle to
propagate their beliefs. The recruitment is often through local issues, promising a better future.
This ensures a flow of new members, which helps to further deepen the impact. Parallels can be
drawn with urban Naxalism, which utilizes similar propaganda tactics and often targets student
groups and intellectuals who align with their ideology.

4. Functioning & Popularity: A Symbiotic Relationship with Urban Counterparts

Naxalites operate in conflict and use armed forces such as hit-and-run attacks on police forces
and infrastructure to fight, influence order and defy state law. But their success depends on
collaboration. They use existing grievances to provide basic services such as health and
education in areas of the village that are neglected by the state and supported by the public. This
social foundation acts as a shield and wisdom and is crucial to their survival. The connection
with urban Naxalism is crucial. Local authorities provide emotional support, manage advertising
campaigns and can facilitate co-financing. They spend time in the media and schools to spread
rural narratives and recruit potential members.
Naxalism was popular in the countryside due to land disputes, exploitation of peasants, and
economic instability. developed. These movements often provide administrative structures for
redressing grievances and are underpinned by a commitment to social justice.

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Naxalism thrives in areas covered with forests. The movement has rapidly found roots among
displaced tribes and natives who are fighting against exploitation at the hands of major Indian
corporations and local officials whom they believe to be corrupt.

5. Affected People & Data: Counting the Cost

The human cost of Naxalism is undeniable. The general population became a focus of violence
between the Naxalites and the security forces. Government sources such as Ministry of Home
Affairs (MHA) data and NCRB data provide statistics on security personnel and victims.
However, the exact impact is still unknown due to lack of reporting, especially in conflict zones.
Independent organizations such as the Institute on Terrorism (ICM) and the South Asia
Terrorism Portal (SATP) offer alternative perspectives and data analysis. Human rights
organizations play an important role in documenting civilian casualties, displacements and
violations by all parties involved. Despite these efforts, the lack of clear and consistent data
makes it difficult to paint a picture of the human suffering caused by Naxalism.
During the period from 2018 to 2023 (till 15 July 23) there were 3,544 LWE related incidents
and 949 deaths10. Between 2004-2020, 8,380 people were killed by the Maoists in different
parts of India11.
Information coming from government sources (State Internal Affairs), reports from organizations
such as the Ministry of Health, and reports from journals provides information about affected
areas, conditions, and injuries. The affected areas include Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and parts of
Maharashtra.

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Evolution of Urban Naxalism (from pain to pen) :

The term Urban Naxal was first mentioned in 2010 by the Maharashtra Police in a report titled
"Report on the Activities of Urban Naxalites." An Urban Naxal is described as an individual who
possesses intellectual, influential, and activist qualities and is considered an invisible enemy of
India.

Urban Naxalism indicates the spread of Left Wing Extremism in urban areas. Proponents of the
term assert that Urban Naxals operate in urban areas to provide logistical support, such as
fundraising, recruitment, propaganda dissemination, and coordination with Naxalite groups.
They are seen as playing a crucial role in expanding the influence and reach of the Naxalite
movement beyond rural areas.

The term gained prominence when states like Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Telangana
enacted laws related to it.
Urban Naxalism is a part of Classical Naxalism. "The main purpose of Urban Naxalism is to
create awareness about the issues faced by the people in areas where Naxalism is prevalent so
that people in urban areas can understand the issues of those living in rural and underdeveloped
areas." This is the argument given by the Pro-Leftists.

However, at the same time, it has also resulted in being "A subunit of Naxalism which is helping
the Naxals in economic funding, weapon arrangement, and recruiting new members into their
group."

Targets of Urban Naxalism Groups:

• Marginalized Groups:
The primary target of naxal groups are people who are living below the poverty line and are
unable to fulfill their basic needs. These are the ones who are unable to survive in an urban area
due to a lack of skills and education, essentially the labor class or blue-collar workers who are
targeted. Usually, it is observed that these are migrants and are radicalized by the thought that the
resources meant for them are being used for the development of urban cities.

• Unemployed Youth:
Currently, our country is facing a huge problem of unemployment, which acts as an opportunity
for these Naxal Groups. They target young college graduates who are struggling to find a job;
these individuals are the prime targets of these groups. As these young students can be easily
trained in a shorter time duration and are comparatively younger in age, they can be easily
radicalized.

The main strategy of these Urban Naxal groups is not adding all these people to their force and
using them as militants, but rather using them as a tool to spread their ideology among students,
the working population through mediums like social media and unions.
Now the important question arises: What drives the Naxal groups conduct such exercises?
Rationally thinking, radicalization of the Urban Population was a very dangerous step taken by
the Naxals, it could have been a threat to secrecy of their operations.

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The difficulties they would have faced can be:
1. Radicalization of an Educated Individual.
2. Identification: On what basis can they ensure that the one who is working with them is a
student and not an Agent of the Government?
3. Finding targets in Densely populated areas.
Despite this, the objective of Urban Naxalism can be considered successful. We can say that the
prominent reason for Naxals to enter urban areas was to portray themselves as victims who are
suffering from the rule of government and the elite and mobilize more people for the cause.

• Long-Term Impact:
Currently, the issue of Urban Naxalism is not that highlighted, but in the long term, it can have
the following consequences:

1. Terror Funding:
In the long run, we see that Naxals have entered on online platforms, which has resulted in an
increase in funding for the Naxal group and even other non-state actors. For example, revenue
generated from piracy could be used in activities against the state, connections with the betting
applications. The case studies provide compelling evidence of a broad, geographically dispersed,
and continuing connection between film piracy and organized crime, as well as evidence that
terrorist groups have used the proceeds of film piracy to finance their activities.

2. Recruitment for Non-State Actors:

There have been certain cases in which students who joined organizations such as ISIS were
initially influenced by Naxal Groups. During the course of interrogation, Tunda revealed and
reconfirmed the links of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)-backed terror outfit Lashkar-
e-Taiba (LeT) with the Naxal movement in India. Despite the fact that he has admitted to the
link, he is yet to give names or exact information about the alliance or its durability. However,
this is not the first instance someone has revealed that the ISI has close liaisons with the Naxal
organization. Earlier, Lashkar operative Mohammed Omer Madani allegedly said that he arrived
in India in May 2009 to initiate the ISI’s support to the Maoist insurgency.

3. Illegal Transfer of People and Money Laundering:

There is observed an increase in the cases of illegal migration of people there, a relation of Naxal
group is seen with it, also they play a role in things such as Money Laundering. According to
FATF Report, Myanmar is among the top last country for such activities.

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RED MONEY ANALYSIS:
1. Naxalites are a terrorist group that allegedly receives funds from leading companies,
including those listed in the market. These companies operate in the metal, mining, steel,
and manufacturing sectors. An article stated, to sustain violence in 223 districts of India,
the Maoists require an annual budget of Rs 2,000 million for procuring weapons,
continuing their propaganda, and recruiting new members. The Naxal groups are reported
to have a 60-crore budget for weapons procurement in past few decades, this was
revealed after an interrogation with Maoist leader Misir Besra in Jharkhand.
2. The intelligence budget for the Naxal groups operating the red corridor areas exceeds
1000crore, with Bihar contributing 200cr, Chhattisgarh Rs 150cr, and mineral rich
Jharkhand an even bigger sum.
3. A heavy chunk of money is also spent on publicity both through the internet as well as in
house publications. One of their main publications Awam-e-jung, has good circulation
comprising 1000 cadres, sources uniforms, and materials for IEDs and run cyber and
psychological campaigns. The Chhattisgarh police in its crack down on the urban support
network of Maoists seized the account books of urban wings of the state which puts the
total outlay at Rs 5.43 crore.
4. The Naxalite-dominated regions include Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh,
Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh, known for agriculture. India is the
world's largest producer of illicit drugs, and it is the only country that permits the use of
videotapes in drug preparation. Drugs like Ganja are cultivated in Naxal-dominated
forests on the border of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh and sold through interstate bus
services by Naxalite-affiliated middlemen. Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence
reportedly exploits a local Naxalite network to circulate counterfeit currency across India.
International airports are identified as landing points for counterfeit currencies originating
from abroad. The Maoists claim their primary income comes from taxes or levies
imposed on various government agencies or businessmen under their influence. The
estimated total revenue from extortion, drug cultivation, and blackmail was Rs 2,500
billion in 2010.
5. Indian Maoists face accusations of having links to organizations such as mining
companies, which they vehemently deny. They assert that their party collects taxes from
contractors, and a significant portion of this revenue is utilized for public health. The
Odisha government's approval of Vedanta University has sparked controversy as the
university discovered 1.82 million tonnes of thorium-bearing monazite resource off the
coast of Odisha. The acquisition of over 6,000 acres of land by the Director of Atomic
Minerals Exploration and Research Model has been labeled a crime. The deal has been
dubbed "India's biggest land grab," with allegations that Vedanta secured the deal by
financing the state's election campaigns in 2004 and 2009 Lok Sabha.
6. Maoists are accused of kidnapping businessmen or harassing their employees,
compelling businessmen to pay money to Naxalites for peace and security in their
workplaces. According to media reports, Maoists have amassed over 25 billion rupees,
mostly through extortion. A recent case highlights funds were extorted from the road
contractors, Tendu- patta contractors, mining companies, and other industrialists having
operations in the Naxal infested areas. Several arrested and released Maoists revealed that
the group collected more than Rs 1,000 billion in 2007 and set a target of Rs 1,125 billion
for 2008.

14
7. Maoists in Chhattisgarh collect revenue and taxes from various non-governmental
organizations, including contractors, bus and truck owners, gas stations, and shops, to
fund the construction of roads and bridges under their influence. They impose fees
ranging from 10 percent to 5 percent for small bridges. Maoists obstructed 21
construction projects approved under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana due to
contractors' refusal to pay. They also misappropriated some funds earmarked for
development projects in areas affected by force, resorting to threats against government
officials. Additionally, they raise money through theft, such as the heist of nearly Rs 5
million cash from ICICI Bank in 2007. Arrests in Gaya and Jharkhand revealed evidence
that NGOs operating in Naxal areas were financing terrorists.
8. According to sourcing in the Chhattisgarh police, interrogation of arrested urban
supporters of Maoists have highlighted on incident of aborting bid to buy AK 47’s from
Australian dealer and have them illegally shipped to India via Malaysia. Similarly, west
Bengal police have confirmed the dispatch of an arms consignment from the North east
via West Bengal.
9. Maoists have substantial financial resources to arm themselves and acquire weapons,
ammunition, and explosives. They possess modern weapons, including AKS, UMG,
MMG, LMG, Picca, sniper rifles, INSAS, carbines, SI.R, 303 guns, locally developed
rocket launchers, mortars, revolvers, and pistols. This money is also used to pay staff
salaries and cover basic life needs. The arrest of External Affairs Minister Kanchan
revealed that the Maoists had connections in the metropolitan city of Kolkata and other
cities, with city workers residing in rented houses receiving wages of up to Rs 10,000 per
month. State police acknowledge that disrupting the money market and networks is the
most challenging aspect of their strategy against the Maoists. The Maoists maintain a
well-organized financial system with detailed accounts of income and expenditure at all
levels. Security forces have successfully tracked and seized assets or equipment on
numerous occasions.

15
GOVERNMENT POLICIES & REFORMS REQUIRED

CoBRA (Combat Battalion for Resolute Action):

The governmet has created various wings and regiments in Para-Millitary, such as COBRA in
CRPF, which is special CRPF Wing for Naxalism formed in 2009, and even various operations
were conducted by other Para-Military forces such as Assam Rifles. They are proficient in
guerrilla tactics and jungle warfare.

NAXAL SAMADHAN
The Central government has a policy "Naxal SAMADHAN" which was initiated in 2017.
AlM: To bring Holistic Administrative Reforms in
area affected by Red Corridor

S - Smart Leadership
A - Aggressive Strategy
M - Motivation and Training
A - Actionable Intelligence
D - Dashboard Intelligence
H - Harnessing Technology
A - Action plan for each Theatre
N - No access to Financing

REFORMS REQUIRED:

1. Upgradation in Weapons and Ammunitions

Firearm tracking Technology:

Thermal Scopes:

Caliber Increase :

2. REGION SPECIFIC POLICIES:

The government has created special foces and special wings in Para Millitary, to tackel the
Naxalites, such as Cobra Forces under CRPF, andMAssam Rifles under Home Ministry, the
opreation conducted by these forces have led to decrease in the Naxal Activity, but this cannot be
a permanent solution.

16
 The permanent solution for the Naxal issue can be possible when there areadministrative
reforms by the Central government. Currently, there arepolicy such as NAXAL SAMADHAN,
but this policy is uniform among all Red Corridor Regions.

3. GOVERNMENT ACTIVITIES TO BE EVALUATED:

Various social movements are used by Naxalite groups, to manipulate public sentiment and
attract people to their cause.
Eg: Narmada Bachao Andolan.
Movements like Salva Judum, initiated by senior Congress Party member Mahindra Karma in
2005, exemplify the pitfalls of vigilante action. However, such initiatives have backfired
spectacularly, causing problems for the government. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs,
policies for rehabilitation of militants have been successful in J&K and North Eastern States, but
implementation of similar policies in naxal affected States has not been impressive.

4. CREATING AWARENESS:
The government has failed to elevate the Naxalite issue to a national priority. Data on civilian
and Armed Forces casualties from Naxalite attacks is provided below, underlining the gravity of
the situation.

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Interview
In our research, we interviewed an individual who has experienced certain events affiliated with
left-wing extremism and has a deep understanding of the movement. The interaction shaded light
on the evolution in the method of excution by the Naxalites, but there motive is still to have a
Class less society. They have various means of financing their activities, including opium
cultivation and, in some cases, extortion. Technology has emerged as a crucial tool for the
Naxalites, facilitating mass recruitment. However, their is a division in the membership . A clear
division exists between the Political wing, which focuses on ideology, and the Extremist wing,
responsible for violence. These wings operate with minimal overlap, maintaining a distinct
separation. Both the wings are operated through a hierarchical structure, though, in some cases it
may vary depending on the organization. Unfortunately, there are some Naxal groups which have
strayed from their original objectives, and now maintain ties with terrorist organizations.

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CONCLUSION
We can observe how Naxalism has evolved over time, upgrading itself to Urban Naxalism.
However, both the government and the army have not upgraded themselves to effectively combat
these evolving threats. This is now more a war of ideologies than of weapons.
The most significant threat lies in controlling the spread of Left-Wing Extremism through online
mediums. We see both the government and the opposition investing heavily in social media
campaigns, yet there is a lack of strict policy implementation to address these activities.
Apart from this looming threat, there are many other issues, that the government is currently
unprepared to handle.
Therefore, the government must stay updated and take proactive steps,to control the spread of
Urban Naxalism and Naxalism as a whole. Implementing stricter policies and investing in
counter-narratives are crucial measures in combating this ideological battle.”

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