India reports 80% drop in LWE violence since 2010, aims to eradicate by 2026
India reports 80% drop in LWE violence since 2010, aims to eradicate by 2026
Government data shows LWE violence down 80% since 2010 with 90% fewer deaths, and a target to wipe out by March 2026 in remaining districts.
New data presented in Lok Sabha by the Ministry of Home Affairs shows that Left Wing Extremism (LWE) related violent incidents have fallen by 80 percent since 2010, from 1,936 incidents to 234 in 2025. The government notes a 90 percent drop in deaths, from 1,005 in 2010 to 100 last year. It also reported a record 2,337 Naxals surrendering in 2025, with 364 killed and 1,022 arrested that year. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has set a deadline of March 31, 2026, to completely wipe out LWE under the National Policy and Action Plan 2015.
Responding to Lok Sabha questions, Minister Nityanand Rai attributed the decline to the policy's resolute implementation and a shrinking geographic footprint, now constrained to eight districts as of December 2025. Six of these are in Chhattisgarh — Bijapur, Dantewada, Gariyaband, Kanker, Narayanpur, Sukma — while the remaining two sit in Jharkhand's West Singhbhum and Odisha's Kandhamal. Police stations reporting LWE violence fell from 465 in 2010 to 119 in 2025, signaling improved security administration.
Officials also introduced a new category in 2024: 'legacy and thrust' districts. Although these districts are no longer LWE-affected, the center continues to support them to consolidate gains and prevent relapse. The government says the struggle has been narrowed to a handful of pockets and emphasizes a holistic development approach in liberated regions to prevent a return of violence.
While the data marks a notable success, experts say sustained funding, human development, and rural connectivity will be essential to seal the gains. The administration promises ongoing support for affected districts, even as it pursues a complete eradication goal by 2026.
