The Government of India, under the decisive leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the strategic initiatives led by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, has made significant strides in tackling Red Terrorism. The National Policy and Action Plan to Address Red Terrorism (2015) has successfully combined security measures, development initiatives, and community engagement to weaken extremist networks and restore peace in affected regions. This holistic approach, implemented with unwavering commitment by both the Centre and state governments, has resulted in a sharp decline in Red Terrorism activities, ensuring greater safety and prosperity for citizens.
On the security front, the government has supported state police forces and paramilitary units by deploying Central Armed Police battalions, enhancing training facilities, modernising police forces with advanced equipment and arms, sharing intelligence inputs, and constructing fortified police stations. These measures have contributed to a more robust security infrastructure, enabling better law enforcement in Red Terrorism-affected areas.
On the developmental front, the GoI has undertaken several targeted initiatives to improve infrastructure and economic conditions in Red Terrorism affected states. These include the expansion of road networks, better telecommunication connectivity, skill development programs, and financial inclusion measures to integrate affected communities into the mainstream economy. By improving basic amenities and economic opportunities, the government aims to reduce the appeal of extremist ideologies among local populations.
Decline in Red Terrorism Activities: Statistical Overview
Due to the consistent and resolute implementation of the National Policy and Action Plan by both the Centre and the states, the geographical spread of Red Terrorism has significantly declined. Over the years, the number of districts affected by Red Terrorism has steadily reduced—from 126 in April 2018 to 90 in April 2018, 70 in July 2021, and further down to 38 in April 2024. This reduction highlights the effectiveness of the combined security and developmental approach in tackling the issue.
The incidence of Red Terrorism violence has also seen a remarkable decline. In 2024, a total of 374 violent incidents were recorded across all Red Terrorism-affected states, which marks a significant 81 per cent reduction compared to 2010 (1,936 incidents). Similarly, the number of resultant deaths (both civilians and security forces) has fallen drastically by 85 per cent, from 1,005 deaths in 2010 to 150 in 2024. These figures indicate a strong downward trend in extremist activities and related casualties, demonstrating the success of the government’s efforts.
Analysis of Red Terrorism Violence Trends (2020-2024)
The following table presents a year-wise breakdown of Red Terrorism violence incidents in all affected states and specifically in Chhattisgarh over the last five years:
Key Observations from the Table
Overall Trend: The data shows fluctuations in Red Terrorism incidents over the past five years, but the overall trend indicates a decline from 2020 to 2024. Incidents fell from 470 in 2020 to 374 in 2024, marking a 20 per cent decrease.
Chhattisgarh’s Situation: Chhattisgarh has remained one of the most affected states, with a significant share of the total Red Terrorism incidents. However, even in Chhattisgarh, violence has decreased from 241 incidents in 2020 to 267 in 2024, although there was an increase in 2023 (305 incidents).
2023 Peak: The year 2023 saw an unexpected rise in incidents both in all Red Terrorism-affected states (486) and in Chhattisgarh (305). However, the sharp decline in 2024 suggests that additional measures taken post-2023 were effective in curbing violence.
Comparing 2010 and 2024 in Chhattisgarh: Chhattisgarh has seen a 47 per cent reduction in Red Terrorism violence since 2010 (from 499 incidents in 2010 to 267 in 2024). Deaths in the state have also decreased by 64 per cent, from 343 in 2010 to 122 in 2024. This highlights the impact of sustained counter-Red Terrorism efforts in the state.
The significant decline in Red Terrorism-related violence and affected districts over the years indicates that the government’s policy has been largely successful. The combination of enhanced security measures and targeted developmental programs has played a crucial role in tackling the Red Terrorism problem. However, the data suggests that while overall violence is decreasing, certain fluctuations (such as the spike in 2023) indicate that continuous vigilance and adaptive strategies are necessary. Going forward, a focus on strengthening community engagement, enhancing intelligence operations, and further improving infrastructure and economic opportunities will be essential to completely eradicate the Red Terrorism threat.
The Government of India has been making consistent efforts to combat Red Terrorism and enhance security measures in the affected regions. Under the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme, financial support has been extended to Red Terrorism-affected states to strengthen their capacity to deal with insurgency. The scheme covers a range of initiatives, including the provision of ex-gratia to families of civilians and security personnel killed in Red Terrorism-related violence, meeting the training and operational needs of security forces, rehabilitating surrendered Red Terrorism cadres, promoting community policing, and compensating for property damage caused by extremist activities. Over the last five years (2019-20 to the present), Rs 1,925.83 crore has been allocated to all Red Terrorism-affected states under this scheme, out of which Rs 829.80 crore has been specifically provided for Chhattisgarh.
To further bolster security infrastructure, the Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS) has been implemented to enhance the strength of Special Forces, Special Intelligence Branches (SIBs), and district police forces. This scheme aims to improve the security apparatus in Red Terrorism-affected regions by developing essential infrastructure and providing advanced training facilities. Over the past five years, a total of Rs 394.31 crore has been allocated to all Red Terrorism-affected states under this scheme, with Rs 85.42 crore designated for Chhattisgarh. Additionally, 702 Fortified Police Stations (FPSs) have been sanctioned in these states, including 147 for Chhattisgarh. So far, 612 FPSs, including 125 in Chhattisgarh, have been constructed to enhance law enforcement capabilities and maintain security in these areas.
Recognising the importance of development in reducing extremism, the Government has implemented the Special Central Assistance (SCA) Scheme, which provides funds to address critical gaps in public infrastructure and essential services in the most affected districts. This initiative plays a crucial role in fostering development and improving the socio-economic conditions of the local population. In the last five years, a total of Rs 2,384.17 crore has been disbursed to all Red Terrorism-affected states under the scheme, with Rs 773.62 crore allocated to Chhattisgarh. The focus remains on improving infrastructure, connectivity, education, healthcare, and financial inclusion to counter the influence of extremist groups through development.
Furthermore, under the Assistance to Central Agencies for Red Terrorism Management (ACALWEM) Scheme, a sum of Rs 654.84 crore has been allocated over the past five years to central agencies for deploying helicopters and developing critical infrastructure in security camps in Red Terrorism-affected regions. This assistance has significantly enhanced the operational capabilities of security forces and their ability to respond effectively to insurgent activities.
On the developmental front, several significant initiatives have been undertaken in Chhattisgarh. As part of the Government’s efforts to improve road connectivity, a total of 4,046 km of roads have been constructed in Red Terrorism-affected areas, facilitating better transportation, trade, and movement of security forces. To enhance telecom connectivity, 1,333 mobile towers have been installed, bridging the digital divide and ensuring communication access for local populations. Additionally, to promote financial inclusion, 1,214 post offices, 297 bank branches, and 268 ATMs have been established in these regions, providing banking facilities and economic opportunities to the tribal and rural communities.
To empower the youth through skill development, 9 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and 14 Skill Development Centers (SDCs) have been made operational, equipping young individuals with vocational training and employment opportunities. Recognising the importance of education for tribal communities, 45 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) have been established to provide quality education and foster the holistic development of tribal students in Red Terrorism-affected districts.
Additionally, under the Civic Action Programme, Central Armed Police Forces (CRPF, BSF, SSB, and ITBP) deployed in Red Terrorism-affected regions have been conducting various welfare activities aimed at winning the trust of local communities and preventing youth from being drawn toward extremist ideologies. This program plays a crucial role in fostering goodwill and strengthening ties between security forces and the local population.
To promote national integration and provide exposure to tribal youth from Red Terrorism-affected regions, Tribal Youth Exchange Programs (TYEPs) are organised through the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS). These programs help tribal youth interact with people from different regions, experience mainstream development, and broaden their perspectives, reducing their vulnerability to extremist influence.
Through these comprehensive security and development initiatives, the Government aims to bring lasting peace, economic prosperity, and social stability to Red Terrorism-affected regions, particularly in states like Chhattisgarh. The multi-pronged approach of combining security interventions with development efforts is expected to significantly weaken the hold of extremist groups and improve the quality of life for the people living in these areas.
The remarkable decline in Red Terrorism incidents, coupled with robust security and developmental initiatives, underscores the effectiveness of the government’s strategy. The leadership of PM Narendra Modi, along with the proactive measures spearheaded by the Home Minister, has played a crucial role in restoring stability in once-volatile regions. The combination of enhanced security infrastructure, socio-economic development, and community-oriented programs has significantly reduced the influence of extremist groups. Moving forward, continued vigilance, adaptive strategies, and deeper community engagement will be key to completely eradicating the Red Terrorism threat and fostering lasting peace and prosperity in affected regions.
