Crumbling Walls of Naxalism and Madhya Pradesh’s Strategic Victory

Krishan Mohan Jha

For decades, Naxalism remained one of the gravest internal security challenges before India. Spread across dense forests and border regions, this “Red Terror” was not confined merely to violence; it also hampered development, weakened democracy, and eroded public trust. Madhya Pradesh’s Balaghat region too struggled with this menace for many years. However, the situation is now changing rapidly. Through a combination of effective strategy and unwavering determination, Madhya Pradesh has emerged as a model state in the fight against Naxalism.

A major force behind this transformation has been the clear leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and his serious approach toward strengthening the state’s security system. Dr. Mohan Yadav consistently emphasized that development and security must progress together and that challenges like Naxalism would not be allowed to expand under any circumstances. Under his guidance, security agencies received better coordination, resources, and the freedom to implement modern strategies effectively.
At the same time, the leadership of Director General of Police Kailash Makwana gave a new direction to anti-Naxal operations. Rather than limiting the campaign to conventional operations alone, he focused on strengthening intelligence networks, enhancing coordination with neighboring states, and equipping the Hawk Force with advanced training and modern resources. As a result, Madhya Pradesh Police successfully weakened Naxalite activities and continuously dismantled their operational networks.

The achievements of Madhya Pradesh Police also received recognition at the national level. Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah honored DGP Kailash Makwana, senior officers, and Hawk Force personnel during the “Udghosh Bastar” program organized in Bastar. The honor was conferred for their outstanding contribution to the anti-Naxal campaign.

The achievements of the last two years clearly indicate that Naxalism is now approaching its final phase in the region. Between December 2023 and December 2024, seven major encounters took place in which several wanted Naxalites were eliminated and a large cache of weapons was seized. In 2025, the campaign became even more effective, with ten Maoists neutralized in ten major encounters — the highest number of Maoists killed in a single year so far.

Most importantly, the morale of Naxalite organizations appears to be collapsing. Several senior Maoist commanders have surrendered. This is not merely a tactical victory for the security forces, but also a sign of the ideological defeat of Naxalism.

However, this success did not come easily. Since 1991, Naxalites have carried out numerous violent attacks in the region, resulting in the martyrdom of many police personnel. Landmine blasts, ambushes, and political assassinations deeply affected the state for years. Yet, the courage of the security forces and the firmness of leadership gradually changed the situation.

Today, Naxalism in Madhya Pradesh is nearing extinction. Areas once overshadowed by fear and gunpowder are now witnessing a new dawn of development, education, and public confidence. This achievement is not merely a success of the police or the government, but a victory of democracy and public trust.

The guidance of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, the capable leadership of DGP Kailash Makwana, and the unmatched courage of the Hawk Force personnel have demonstrated that when political will, strategic vision, and ground-level action come together, even the toughest internal security challenges can be defeated.

(The author is a political analyst.)