The Martyrs’ Memorial Research Institute (MMRI) hosted a seminar on “Changing Colours of Naxalism” at Osmania University, Hyderabad, on March 29. The discussion focused on how Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), once confined to rural insurgency, has now extended its reach into urban intellectual spaces, media, academia, and NGOs. The speakers underlined the necessity of modernised law enforcement, ideological countermeasures, and development-driven governance to combat the growing threat effectively.
Naxalism’s Shift from Jungle Warfare to Urban Intellectual Battlefields
Murali Manohar: The Need for a Structural Approach
Presiding over the seminar, P Murali Manohar, President of MMRI, stressed the importance of moving beyond security responses and focusing on long-term structural solutions.
“The Naxal movement has evolved from jungle warfare to a battle of ideology, legal activism, and narrative-building in urban centres. While law enforcement is vital, dismantling extremist narratives requires ideological clarity, grassroots engagement, and strong governance,” he said.
He also drew a parallel between religious indoctrination in madrasas producing suicide bombers and the left-wing academic influence in universities, which he argued is fostering radical anti-national ideologies.
“We need to recognize the growing challenge posed by this intellectual radicalisation. Universities are becoming breeding grounds for extremist thought, just as religious institutions have been in other contexts. This is a serious threat that requires urgent discussion,” he cautioned.
Reiterating MMRI’s commitment, he said the institute would undertake research, awareness campaigns, and policy advocacy to expose hidden networks that sustain extremist forces in the country.
Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan: National Unity as the Cornerstone of Stability
Renowned governance reformer and former IAS officer Dr Jayaprakash Narayan provided a policy-oriented perspective on tackling Naxalism.
He asserted that national unity, societal peace, and individual liberty are deeply interconnected and warned against forces that seek to weaken India’s cohesion.
“We cannot afford to compromise on our unity. Look at Yugoslavia and the Soviet Union—when national integrity is weakened, it leads to chaos. If India’s unity is fractured, constitutional freedoms will become meaningless,” he said.
Dr. Narayan highlighted how extremist ideologies are exploiting democratic freedoms and called for a decisive yet constitutionally sound response.
“Anarchy cannot replace democracy. Law enforcement must be robust, but it should work within an accountable framework. If we do not take responsibility for addressing this issue, we risk jeopardising the very foundation of our nation,” he warned.
He stressed that while security operations are necessary, they must be complemented by policy measures that deliver justice and development to affected regions.
“The youth joining Maoist movements often feel alienated. The only sustainable way to counter this is by strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring economic inclusion, and delivering justice at the grassroots level,” he explained.
Dasari Srinivasulu: Tribals—The Silent Victims of the Naxal War
Former IAS officer Dasari Srinivasulu highlighted how tribals have suffered the most in the war between the Maoists and the state.
“One thing I realised from years of experience is that while we remember Naxalites and police martyrs, we often forget the tribals caught in the crossfire. Their lives are destroyed, and no one talks about them,” he said.
Explaining the unique cultural traits of tribals, he pointed out their deep sense of self-respect.
“If a tribal approaches you with a problem and you ignore them once, they will never come back. Unlike others, they don’t plead or beg—they suffer in silence. That is why Naxalites exploit them.”
He recalled incidents where tribal communities were devastated by both Naxal executions of alleged informers and police crackdowns following Maoist attacks.
Drawing from his personal experiences in Karimnagar, Paderu, and Madhavapur, he narrated how Naxals systematically eliminated leaders who were empowering the people, thereby isolating the masses and maintaining control over them.
“I have seen MLAs and ministers assassinated simply because they were connecting with the people. Naxalism’s strategy is not just about armed rebellion; it is about keeping society in fear and dependency.”
Former DGP Aravinda Rao: Strengthening Law Enforcement Through Research
Former DGP Aravinda Rao emphasised the need for intelligence-driven policing and research-backed policy reforms, highlighting the global influences shaping Maoist strategies and their tactics to radicalise the younger generation with the goal of destabilising Bharat’s rich cultural legacy.
“Effective policing is not just about increasing numbers. We need better training, well-defined policies, and a justice system that is both swift and fair,” he explained.
He elaborated on the Maoist economy, exposing how they extort businesses and receive ideological and financial backing from global left-wing organisations.
“Naxal literature is crafted to brainwash the younger generation. They operate with active support from various anti-social and anti-national forces abroad, which fund their operations and propaganda,” he warned.
Recalling the 2004 peace talks with Maoists under the Congress government, he revealed how Naxals exploited the negotiations to extract funds and consolidate their influence.
“While the government was engaging in dialogue, they were using the opportunity to pressure leaders, manipulate public opinion, and strengthen their underground networks,” he noted.
He also exposed their evolving urban strategies, cautioning that Maoists have successfully infiltrated academia, media, and civil society to control narratives and fuel unrest.
“They have transitioned from armed insurgency to intellectual subversion. Their goal is not just territorial control but ideological warfare—to destabilise Bharat by eroding its cultural ethos and weakening governance structures,” he stated.
Perala Shekar Rao: Naxalism’s Impact on Students and Society
Perala Shekar Rao, former Vice President of Nehru Yuva Kendra, provided a first-hand account of how Naxalism devastated students’ lives and careers, particularly in Andhra Pradesh.
He recalled the tumultuous period between 1970 and 2000, when Naxal influence was at its peak, misleading bright students into joining their violent movement.
Referring to violent campus politics, he spoke about figures like George Reddy, Maoist supporter Vara Vara Rao, former HCU professor Hara Gopal, and several left-leaning academicians, as well as the role of left-wing literary organisations in shaping radical narratives.
“Many promising students were radicalised, abandoned their education, and ultimately lost their lives in the movement. Entire families were torn apart by this senseless violence,” he lamented.
Shekar Rao highlighted the resistance put up by active ABVP student leaders, particularly in Kakatiya and Osmania Universities, and across erstwhile Andhra Pradesh, where they stood against Naxal influence in academic spaces.
While acknowledging Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent statement on eliminating Maoist influence from Chhattisgarh, he expressed optimism about the current NDA government’s efforts in countering Left-Wing Extremism (LWE).
“For the first time in 50 years, the government’s strategy to combat Maoist violence appears convincing and effective. Democracy has no space for red terror and violence, and we believe that with strong political will, we will defeat these anti-national forces,” he affirmed.
However, he also cautioned that while the security situation in Maoist strongholds is improving, their infiltration into urban areas remains a serious concern, warranting continuous vigilance.
Shyam Prasad: Naxalism’s Narrative Warfare
Shyam Prasad, Akhila Bharatha Samyojak of Samajika Samarasatha Manch echoed similar sentiments, warning that Naxals are weaponising academic and policy spaces to spread their influence.
“Naxals are no longer just hiding in forests; they control narratives in academia, media, and policy-making bodies influencing policy, academia, and civil society. If we fail to resist their agenda, we risk undermining our democratic institutions,” he remarked.
He stressed the need for exposing their ideological warfare through media interventions and nationalist education policies.
Society faces numerous challenges, including caste discrimination and exploitation. Acknowledging these issues is essential, but it is equally important for right-thinking individuals to actively address them to prevent their exploitation by extremist forces.
“For too long, we have allowed them to dominate intellectual discourse. It is time to challenge their falsehoods and reveal their real agenda,” he concluded.
The seminar reinforced the necessity of a multi-pronged approach—security operations, ideological clarity, policy reforms, and community engagement—to counter Naxalism effectively.
MMRI pledged to lead this fight by conducting research, policy advocacy, and awareness campaigns to expose the changing face of Maoist extremism in India.
Speaking to Organiser, Balakrishna, an ABVP leader, reflected on the history of Naxalism on campus. “While we were always aware of the presence of Naxal elements in universities, hearing firsthand accounts from those who witnessed and resisted their influence reinforces the significance of our struggle. Defeating Naxalism in this very campus was no ordinary feat. The resistance put up by ABVP played a crucial role in reclaiming these spaces from their grip,” he stated.
He further added, “I believe this is one of the rare student battles in the world where a nationalist student movement successfully pushed Naxals out of academic institutions and forced them back into the jungles. Today, they are struggling for survival—not because of state action alone, but because they chose the wrong path of violence and anarchy.”
The event saw participation Janareddy, ABVP State President; Rambabu, ABVP State Secretary; Dharmareddy (Ex-MLA); Katta Sudhakar; Masadi Bapu Rao; Beeram Venkat Reddy; Manohar Rao; and Ramachandra, ABVP student leaders, survivors of Maoist violence, academicians, students, research scholars, senior bureaucrats, former police officials, media professionals, and policy analysts. The discussions focused on the evolving tactics of Maoists, their infiltration into urban spaces, and the urgent need for a comprehensive counter-strategy.
