India Intensifies Naxal Fight: 2025 Sees Major Gains Towards 'Naxal-mukt Bharat' by 2026

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah set a March 2026 deadline for 'Naxal-mukt Bharat', intensifying security operations.
• Since 2014, Naxal-related violence, security personnel, and civilian deaths have significantly declined.
• In 2025, 270 Naxals were neutralized, 680 arrested, and 1,225 surrendered; major operations like 'Operation Black Forest' were conducted.
• Key Naxal leaders like Madvi Hidma (Andhra Pradesh) were killed, and Surendar alias Kabir (Madhya Pradesh) surrendered.
• Government initiatives include SRE Scheme, SCA, fortified police stations, financial inclusion, and skill development in LWE-affected areas.

Why It Matters: India's intensified anti-Naxal operations in 2025 mark significant progress towards a Naxal-free nation by 2026.