The debate over India's long-running Maoist insurgency resurfaced on Monday after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Naxalism is "counting its last breaths" and credited the NDA government's development-driven approach for weakening the insurgency. Speaking at a media event in New Delhi, Modi sharply criticized the Congress, alleging that leaders who now frequently invoke the Constitution had remained silent when large parts of the country were grappling with Maoist violence. His remarks come amid continued political sparring over governance, internal security and development in tribal regions. The Prime Minister said the government's "Nation First" approach has combined security operations with welfare initiatives, infrastructure development and improved governance to reduce the influence of Left-Wing Extremism. The comments have once again brought national attention to a movement that was once considered India's biggest internal security challenge.

According to the Prime Minister, previous governments largely treated Naxal-affected regions as permanently backward areas, while the NDA focused on integrating them into the mainstream through roads, education, healthcare, digital connectivity and employment opportunities.

Modi did not directly name Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, but his remarks were widely seen as a reference to Gandhi's practice of carrying a copy of the Constitution during public events and political campaigns.

Focus on Development

During his address, Modi highlighted several flagship initiatives, including the Swachh Bharat Mission, Make in India and the promotion of local products. He said these programs were designed around the principle of putting national interests first.

The Prime Minister also pointed to the Aspirational Districts and Aspirational Blocks programmes, claiming that more than 100 districts and over 500 blocks previously categorized as backward regions have witnessed measurable improvements in governance and development indicators.

Officials have frequently argued that better infrastructure and public services in tribal and remote areas have reduced the appeal of extremist groups and strengthened state presence.

Security and Governance

The Prime Minister's comments echoed earlier statements made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. During the Budget Session of Parliament in March, Shah stated that India had effectively become free from Naxal influence and reiterated the government's commitment to eliminating the remaining pockets of Left-Wing Extremism.

According to government data and security assessments, the geographical spread of Maoist activity has declined significantly over the past decade. Areas once considered strongholds of insurgent groups have seen increased security deployment alongside development projects.

However, security experts note that while violence has reduced substantially, isolated incidents and operational challenges remain in some forested regions of central India.

Background of the Naxalite Movement

The Naxalite movement began in 1967 in Naxalbari, a village in West Bengal's Darjeeling district. Over time, it expanded across several states, creating what became known as the "Red Corridor."

At its peak during the early 2000s, the insurgency affected large parts of central and eastern India and posed a significant challenge to internal security. Successive governments adopted a mix of security operations and welfare measures to address the issue.

Analysts say the current political debate reflects broader questions about how development, governance and security policies should be balanced in historically marginalized tribal regions.

As the government continues to emphasize both development and counter-insurgency measures, the future trajectory of Left-Wing Extremism remains an important issue in India's national security and governance agenda. The latest remarks by the Prime Minister are likely to keep the discussion at the center of political and policy debates in the coming months.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday chaired the 26th meeting of the Central Zonal Council in Jagdalpur, marking the first time that such a high-level inter-state meeting has been organised in Bastar. The meeting brought together the Chief Ministers of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, along with senior administrative and security officials. The event has drawn national attention as the Centre attempts to showcase Bastar’s changing image from a Maoist-affected region to a developing administrative hub.

The high-profile gathering is being viewed as both an administrative exercise and a political message. For decades, Bastar remained associated with Naxal violence, security concerns and underdevelopment. The decision to hold the council meeting in Jagdalpur is being seen as an effort by the government to highlight improved security conditions and increasing state presence in the region. Officials said the meeting reflects growing confidence in the changing ground situation across Bastar division.

Focus On Security

Internal security and inter-state coordination remained among the key focus areas during the meeting. According to officials, discussions included law and order, intelligence sharing, border coordination and strategies to tackle Left Wing Extremism in affected regions. Bastar has historically been one of the worst-affected areas in the country due to Maoist violence, making the security aspect central to the discussions.

The Union Home Ministry has repeatedly stated that the government is committed to eliminating Naxalism through a combination of security operations and development initiatives. Over the past several months, security forces have intensified anti-Naxal operations in Bastar and nearby areas. Several senior Maoist leaders have reportedly been killed or arrested during these operations, while many cadres have surrendered before authorities. Government officials indicated that improved coordination between central forces and state police agencies has helped reduce Maoist influence in several districts. The Centre has also increased infrastructure support and administrative outreach in remote tribal regions to strengthen governance at the grassroots level.

Bastar’s Changing Image

The Jagdalpur meeting is also being projected as part of a broader effort to change Bastar’s national image. For years, the region remained in headlines due to violence, attacks on security personnel and disruption of development activities. The government now wants to position Bastar as a centre for tourism, investment and administrative growth.

Authorities believe that organising such a large-scale government event in the region sends a strong signal about improved conditions on the ground. Senior officials and political leaders travelling to Jagdalpur for the meeting are being seen as indicators of increasing confidence in the security environment. Local administration officials also undertook extensive preparations ahead of the event. Security arrangements were tightened across Jagdalpur, while roads, public spaces and meeting venues were upgraded in anticipation of the high-profile visit. Officials said the administration wanted to ensure that the event reflected the changing realities of Bastar.

Development Agenda Ahead

Apart from security, the Central Zonal Council meeting also focused on development-related issues involving participating states. Discussions reportedly covered transport connectivity, water sharing, electricity coordination and public welfare delivery. Sources indicated that tribal development and infrastructure expansion remained important agenda points during the meeting.

Officials stressed the need for better road networks, healthcare facilities, digital connectivity and educational institutions in remote districts. The Centre believes that sustained development is essential to ensure long-term peace and stability in regions previously affected by extremism. Government representatives also highlighted ongoing welfare schemes aimed at improving the living conditions of tribal communities. According to officials, the administration plans to increase investment in public services and economic activities across Bastar in the coming years.

Shah’s Strong Remarks

During the first day of his Bastar visit, Amit Shah addressed public gatherings and interacted with local residents and officials. He stated that the region had suffered losses for nearly five decades due to violence and instability, and the government was now determined to accelerate development in the area.

The Home Minister said Bastar’s progress remains an important part of the Centre’s broader development vision. He also referred to tribal freedom fighter Gundadhur and highlighted Bastar’s historical role in resistance against British rule. According to Shah, the government intends to develop the region associated with Gundadhur as a major cultural and historical destination.

Shah also recalled earlier years when schools were destroyed, welfare programmes disrupted and security personnel frequently targeted by Maoist groups. He stated that the government had taken decisive steps to weaken Maoist networks and restore administrative control in affected regions.

Political Significance Grows

Political observers believe the Jagdalpur meeting carries significant political importance beyond governance. The Centre has increasingly linked anti-Naxal operations with development narratives, presenting improved security as a foundation for economic and social progress. The participation of four Chief Ministers in the meeting reinforced the message of cooperative federalism and coordinated governance.

The event also comes at a time when the government is attempting to strengthen its outreach in tribal and rural regions. By holding the meeting in Bastar, the Centre appears keen to demonstrate that regions once considered inaccessible are now becoming part of mainstream administrative and development activities. Analysts said the meeting could influence future policy decisions related to security, infrastructure and tribal welfare in central India. The government is expected to continue focusing on integrated development strategies for areas previously affected by insurgency.

Officials expect more announcements related to infrastructure, tourism and welfare initiatives following the conclusion of the meeting. The Centre may also expand development projects in Bastar to further strengthen administrative presence and economic opportunities in tribal areas.

J&K strengthens rural shield; 1,500 Village Defence Guards deployed after Operation Sindoor

Following the success of Operation Sindoor, security agencies have intensified the training of local volunteers to create a multi-tiered surveillance grid in sensitive border districts.

 In a significant move to fortify the internal security apparatus in Jammu and Kashmir, over 1,500 Village Defence Guards (VDGs) have been formally trained and integrated into the security grid across five districts. This surge in local mobilization follows the tactical shift seen during Operation Sindoor, where human intelligence and local resistance proved pivotal in neutralizing infiltration attempts.

These volunteers, primarily from the hilly and remote terrains of Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, Samba, and Kathua, are now working 12-hour shifts alongside regular security forces. Unlike the older iterations of village defence groups, the current VDGs are being equipped with Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs), replacing the vintage .303 rifles, and are receiving bulletproof jackets and wireless communication sets to ensure they can hold their ground until reinforcements arrive.

Tactical shift in rural surveillance

The induction of these guards marks a transition toward a more "proactive" rather than "reactive" security model. In many of these border hamlets, the VDGs act as the first line of defense. Officials noted that the training has moved beyond basic weapon handling to include tactical movement and mountain surveillance.

"The terrain here is our biggest challenge, but it is also our biggest advantage if the locals are on our side," a senior police official stationed in the Jammu division said. He added that nearly 60% of actionable intelligence in recent search operations has come directly from these local human networks.

Declining violence and the tourism hurdle

Statistical data from the past year suggests a shift in the ground reality. Deaths resulting from terrorist incidents have seen a notable decline of approximately 27.5%, dropping from 127 in the preceding year to 92. However, the shadow of past violence continues to loom over the economy.

Tourism figures have taken a significant hit, with annual footfalls dropping from a high of 33 lakh to around 11.60 lakh. The current emphasis on VDG patrolling and visible security is part of a broader strategy to rebuild confidence among travelers and restore normalcy in the hinterland.

Human intelligence as a force multiplier

The impact of local involvement was recently visible in Kishtwar’s Sinhpora, where local inputs led to the elimination of two terrorists. A similar success was recorded in Kathua’s Bilwar area this past January, where VDG members assisted security forces in tracking down and eliminating Usman, a high-ranking Jaish-e-Mohammed commander.

"When a stranger enters a village, the locals know immediately," says Amit Kumar, a VDG member from Rajouri. "Earlier, there was fear. Now, with the SLRs and the backing of the Army, there is a sense of responsibility. We monitor the ridgelines and report any movement that doesn't belong."

Preparations for Amarnath Yatra

With the Amarnath Yatra scheduled to commence on July 3, the security grid is being tightened further. Around 190 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), recently returned from election duties elsewhere in the country, are being redeployed across the UT.

These units, comprising roughly 19,000 personnel, will focus on securing highways and the vulnerable mountainous tracks leading to the holy cave. The VDGs in peripheral villages will play a crucial role in ensuring that the heights overlooking the Yatra routes remain sanitized.

Empowerment of women in VDG

Interestingly, the latest recruitment and training drives in Doda and surrounding areas have seen an uptick in participation from women. These female volunteers are being integrated into the surveillance network, particularly in areas where household-level monitoring and forest patrolling are essential.

As the security situation evolves, the focus remains on the "last mile" of defense. By empowering the people who live on the edge of the border, the administration hopes to create a permanent deterrent against infiltration that doesn't solely rely on the physical presence of the military in every single valley.

In a major anti-Naxal breakthrough, 47 Naxalites linked to South Bastar surrendered before Telangana Police, handing over 32 weapons and a large cache of ammunition. Officials said the surrendered cadre included senior operatives from the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZCM), divisional and area-level formations, making it one of the most significant recent setbacks for the Maoist network operating along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border.

According to officials, the surrendered Naxalites were active in different parts of Bastar and collectively carried a bounty of Rs 1.5 crore. The group included senior functionaries, platoon commanders and armed cadre associated with core Maoist structures in South Bastar.

Senior Cadres Included

Among those who surrendered was Hemla Ithu alias Vijja, a DKSZCM member and in-charge of the South Bastar divisional committee. Podiyam Lachhu alias Manoj, identified as the commander of the 9th platoon, also laid down arms along with several other active operatives.

Police said the presence of senior commanders in the surrender group marks a serious organisational setback for the Maoist structure in South Bastar. Officials indicated that the surrender has weakened both leadership and field operations in the region.

Arms and Ammunition Seized

During the surrender, the cadre deposited 32 weapons and 515 live rounds of ammunition. The recovered weapons included one light machine gun, four AK-47 rifles, three SLRs, two INSAS rifles, two muskets, one BGL gun, two air guns, one pistol, one revolver and 12 single-shot firearms.

Officials said the surrender of weapons is significant because it directly reduces the operational capacity of the Maoist network. Security agencies are also examining the recovered arms for intelligence and link analysis.

Why They Surrendered

Telangana Police attributed the surrender to sustained anti-Naxal operations, coordinated intelligence-based action and the state’s rehabilitation policy. According to officials, continuous pressure from police forces in both Telangana and Chhattisgarh narrowed movement corridors and weakened support systems for armed cadres.

Sources indicated that the rehabilitation framework offered by Telangana, along with increasing operational pressure, pushed several cadre members to return to the mainstream. Officials said surrendered cadre would be extended support under the state rehabilitation programme.

Cadre Structure Hit

Police said the surrendered group represented a substantial section of the Maoist chain of command. Of the 47 who surrendered, 28 were linked to DKSZCM, while 15 belonged to the 9th and 30th platoons. The remaining cadre were associated with lower-level support and field units.

Officials described the surrender as a strategic gain in the wider anti-Naxal campaign, particularly in the South Bastar zone where Maoist influence has historically remained strong. Security agencies believe only scattered armed cadre remain active in the affected belt.

Earlier Surrenders Matter

The latest development follows a series of large surrenders in the Bastar region over the past few months. On March 31, 25 Naxalites surrendered in Bijapur. Inputs from that group led security forces to a major Maoist dump containing Rs 3 crore in cash and 7 kg of gold, part of a larger seizure estimated at Rs 14 crore.

Earlier, 34 Naxalites had surrendered across four districts, while another 108 cadre laid down arms in Jagdalpur nearly two months ago. Officials had then said the surrendered group carried rewards worth Rs 3.95 crore and turned over cash, gold and 101 weapons.

India’s First Anti-Terrorism Policy ‘Prahar’ Unveiled: A Structural Shift in National Security Doctrine

In a major development for India’s internal security framework, the Ministry of Home Affairs under Union Home Minister Amit Shahhas unveiled the country’s first comprehensive and publicly articulated anti-terror doctrine — the Prahar Policy. This landmark India Anti-Terrorism Policy marks a significant shift from a reactive approach to a structured, doctrine-driven Counter Terrorism Strategy.

At a time when cross-border terrorism, cyber threats, drone-based attacks, and radicalization are evolving rapidly, the Prahar Policy is being seen as a transformative step in strengthening India’s National Security Doctrine.

 Why the Prahar Policy Matters Now

India has faced terrorism for decades — from cross-border infiltration to urban terror cells and left-wing extremism. However, until now, the country relied on legal tools like the Unlawful Activities Prevention Actand agency-specific mandates without a unified doctrinal framework.

The Prahar Policy fills this strategic vacuum.

Its philosophy is clear:

Strike early, strike decisively, and strike lawfully.

This doctrine emphasizes prevention before reaction — ensuring threats are neutralized before they reach execution stage.

With rising hybrid warfare tactics, encrypted communication, crypto financing, and cyber radicalization, India’s security thinking is being modernized to meet 21st-century threats.

 The 7 Pillars of Prahar Policy Explained

The Prahar Policy is built on seven core pillars:

 1. Prevention

 Real-time intelligence fusion at national and state levels

 Financial tracking of terror funding

 Border surveillance modernization

 Counter-drone monitoring systems

 Early detection of radicalization

The goal is simple: stop terror before it strikes.

 2. Response

A clearly defined operational hierarchy:

 Local Police as first responders

 State Anti-Terrorism Squads

 Central Forces

 Specialized units like the National Investigation Agencyand National Security Guard

This ensures rapid deployment and minimum inter-agency friction.

 3. Aggregation of Capacities

 Standardized training nationwide

 Adoption of modern weapons and forensic upgrades

 Cyber intelligence labs

 Counter-drone systems

A whole-of-government approach strengthens operational readiness.

 4. Human Rights & Rule of Law

Unlike authoritarian responses, Prahar embeds constitutional safeguards, judicial oversight, and due process — reinforcing India’s democratic character while combating terrorism.

 5. Addressing Enabling Conditions

 Counter-radicalization programs

 Community policing

 Youth engagement initiatives

Terrorism thrives on alienation. The strategy aims to reduce such vulnerabilities.

 6. International Cooperation

 Intelligence-sharing agreements

 Extradition treaties

 Joint operations

 Leveraging platforms like the United Nations

Terrorism is transnational, and so must be the response.

 7. Recovery & Resilience

 Psychological counseling

 Compensation mechanisms

 Media engagement to prevent panic

 Rapid restoration of normalcy

Terrorists aim for psychological impact. Recovery mechanisms deny them that victory.

 Strategic Significance of Prahar Policy

The Prahar Policy formalizes India’s zero-tolerance stance on terrorism. It signals:

 Institutional maturity in counter-terror governance

 Modernization of India’s security architecture

 Stronger global anti-terror diplomacy

 Adaptation to hybrid warfare trends

With increasing concerns over cyber threats, infiltration attempts, and global instability, this policy arrives at a crucial geopolitical moment.

A Defining Shift in India’s Security Architecture

The Prahar Policy is more than just another security document. It represents a structural transformation in India’s Counter Terrorism Strategy — moving from fragmented responses to a unified National Security Doctrine.

If implemented effectively, Prahar could redefine how India prevents, responds to, and recovers from terrorism — ensuring that fear never triumphs over democracy.

As India strengthens its internal security framework, the Prahar Policy may well become a cornerstone of its 21st-century national defense strategy.