Red Corridors transforming into growth zones due to security forces' efforts: Rajnath Singh
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has announced that the menace of Left Wing Extremism (LWE), commonly known as Naxalism, is on the brink of being eradicated in India, with a target date set for March 2026. Speaking during the Police Commemoration Day event at the National Police Memorial in New Delhi, Singh credited the relentless efforts of police and security forces for this significant progress, highlighting the transformation of regions previously identified as ‘Naxal hubs’ into areas of education and growth. He noted that the number of districts affected by LWE has plummeted from 182 in 2014 to just 11 as of October 2025, underlining the government’s commitment to development over violence. Singh emphasized that former insurgents are now surrendering and integrating into societal development, marking a shift from fear to progress. The Ministry of Home Affairs has indicated that many villages long afflicted by Naxalism are now witnessing unprecedented improvements in infrastructure and public services. This development not only reflects effective internal security measures but also showcases the government’s focus on reintegration and development as a means to counter insurgency. The decline of Naxalism holds broader implications for national stability and socio-economic growth, as it aims to foster a safer environment conducive to investment and development in affected regions. The collaborative efforts of various security forces and local administrations have been instrumental in this transformation, and Singh expressed confidence that by March 31, 2026, the infamous Red Corridor will become a thing of the past.
