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‘Only 3 districts now most-affected by Naxalism’, says govt

Naxalism, once prevalent in 126 districts across states in 2013, has now dipped to just 18 districts, with only six classified as 'Most Affected Districts'.

Published on: Oct 15, 2025 07:10 PM IST
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The government on Wednesday said that only three districts - Bijapur, Sukma and Narayanpur in Chhattisgarh - are now in the list of the most affected districts by Left Wing Extremism, down from six earlier.

District Reserve Guard (DRG) personnel patrolling during a simulation exercise at their base in Dantewada, in Bastar division of India's Chhattisgarh state. (AFP) (HT_PRINT)
District Reserve Guard (DRG) personnel patrolling during a simulation exercise at their base in Dantewada, in Bastar division of India's Chhattisgarh state. (AFP) (HT_PRINT)

Gadchiroli in Maharashtra, West Singhbhum in Jharkhand and Kanker in Chhattisgarh have now been removed from the list of the most-affected districts by Naxalism, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said.

The government also said that the districts affected by the Left Wing Extremism have been brought down to just 11 from 18. The Narendra Modi-led NDA government has announced that it will completely eradicate Naxalism from the country by March 31, 2026.

Also Read: Will meet deadline to end Naxalism by 2026: Vishnu Deo Sai

"In a giant stride towards the Modi government's vision of building a Naxal-free Bharat, the number of districts most affected by Naxalism has been brought down to three from six," an MHA statement said.

"Under the Modi government, unprecedented success has been achieved in combating the Naxal menace through rigorous implementation of National Action Plan and Policy which envisages a multi-pronged approach. The National Action Plan and Policy include precise intelligence - based and people friendly counter Left Wing Extremism (LWE) operations," the statement stated.

Also Read: Top Maoist leader Venugopal, who gave call to give up arms, surrenders

"Once called India’s “biggest internal security challenge” by the then Prime Minister in 2010, Naxalism is now visibly retreating. Naxals had planned a Red Corridor - stretching from Pashupati in Nepal to Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh," it added.

Naxalism was once called India’s “biggest internal security challenge" by then Prime Minister in 2010, the statement further said.

It added that Naxals had planned a Red Corridor, from Pashupati in Nepal to Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh.

Naxalism, which was once prevalent in 126 districts across states in 2013, has now dipped to just 18 districts, with only six classified as 'Most Affected Districts'.

 
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HT News Desk

Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.

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