CM Mohan Yadav: ‘Madhya Pradesh is first state to finish Naxalism entirely… in forests, villages, cities’

Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), commonly known as Naxalism, has been one of India's most persistent and complex internal security challenges since its genesis in Naxalbari, West Bengal, in 1967. Rooted in an ideology advocating for the rights of landless peasants, tribals, and marginalized communities against state exploitation and socio-economic inequalities, Naxalism spread across a 'Red Corridor' encompassing several states, primarily in central and eastern India. These groups, predominantly the Communist Party of India (Maoist), aim to overthrow the state through armed struggle, often targeting infrastructure, security forces, and government functionaries, thereby hindering development and governance.

Recently, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav made a significant declaration, stating that the state has entirely eradicated Naxalism, positioning it as the first state in India to achieve this feat across forests, villages, and cities. This claim, if definitively verified, marks a monumental success in the long battle against LWE and underscores the state's concerted efforts in internal security and counter-insurgency operations. Historically, districts like Balaghat, Mandla, and Dindori in Madhya Pradesh have been affected by Naxal activities, often serving as transit routes or peripheral areas for groups operating in neighboring Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra.

Key stakeholders in this complex issue include the Madhya Pradesh government, led by the Chief Minister and supported by the state police forces and intelligence agencies, who are directly responsible for law and order. The Union Government, particularly the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), plays a crucial role by providing financial assistance, intelligence sharing, and deploying Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) like the CRPF and BSF to assist state police. The local population in affected areas, often caught between the Naxalites and security forces, are both victims and potential beneficiaries of peace and development. Lastly, the Naxalite groups themselves, primarily the CPI (Maoist), are the direct adversaries.

This declaration holds immense significance for India. Firstly, it represents a substantial victory in enhancing internal security, a core responsibility of any sovereign state. The MHA's multi-pronged strategy to combat LWE, articulated in the National Policy and Action Plan to Combat LWE (2015), focuses on security responses, development initiatives, and ensuring rights and entitlements. If MP's claim is true, it validates the effectiveness of such a strategy. Secondly, the eradication of Naxalism opens doors for accelerated development in previously inaccessible and conflict-ridden areas. Infrastructure projects, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities can now flourish, integrating marginalized communities into the national mainstream. This aligns with the 'aspirational districts' program and other development initiatives aimed at uplifting backward regions. Politically, it strengthens the state's governance credentials and could serve as a model for other LWE-affected states, encouraging them to intensify their efforts.

Historically, the battle against LWE has seen various phases, from initial surges to gradual containment. Government responses have evolved from purely security-centric approaches to more holistic strategies that combine robust policing with socio-economic development. States like Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have also made significant strides in containing Naxalism. Madhya Pradesh's achievement, if confirmed, signifies a decisive turn, particularly given its strategic location bordering heavily affected states like Chhattisgarh. The state's efforts likely involved sustained anti-Naxal operations, intelligence-led policing, rehabilitation policies for surrendering Naxalites, and targeted development in affected pockets.

Looking ahead, the future implications are multi-faceted. While the claim of 'entire eradication' is positive, sustained vigilance will be paramount to prevent any resurgence or spillover from neighboring states. The focus must now shift even more strongly towards solidifying peace through comprehensive development. This includes land reforms, ensuring tribal rights (e.g., under the Forest Rights Act, 2006), improving public services, and generating employment opportunities. The lessons learned from MP's success could inform national LWE policy, potentially leading to a review and refinement of strategies for other states. However, the root causes of Naxalism – poverty, inequality, and lack of access to justice – must continue to be addressed proactively to ensure long-term stability and prevent new forms of extremism.

Several constitutional provisions and legal frameworks underpin the state's efforts in combating LWE. The Seventh Schedule of the Constitution places 'Public Order' and 'Police' primarily under the State List, empowering state governments to maintain law and order. However, 'Defence of India' and 'Armed Forces' are in the Union List, allowing the central government to deploy forces to aid states. Article 355 imposes a duty on the Union to protect every State against external aggression and internal disturbance, which provides the constitutional basis for central assistance. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA), provides the legal framework for dealing with unlawful associations and terrorist activities, including those by Naxalite groups. Furthermore, various state-specific rehabilitation policies and central schemes like the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme and Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS) have been instrumental in supporting states in their counter-LWE efforts.