Red Carpet for Peace, Bullet for Terror: The Dual Policy That Defeated Naxalism
A firm yet compassionate strategy that offers surrender with dignity to those who choose peace, and decisive action against those who continue violence.
New Delhi :For several decades, Naxalism remained one of the biggest internal security challenges facing the nation, casting a long shadow of violence and fear over large parts of tribal India. The movement not only claimed countless innocent lives but also blocked the path of development and progress in some of the country’s most remote regions. A firm yet compassionate response was clearly needed — one that could distinguish between those who could be brought back into the mainstream and those who continued to perpetuate violence. It was under the leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah that this balanced and decisive “Red Carpet vs Bullet” strategy was implemented with clarity and conviction, giving fresh momentum to anti-Naxal operations and setting a firm target to end organised Naxalism by March 31, 2026.
On one side is the “Red Carpet” – an open and dignified door for misguided cadres who wish to lay down arms and return to normal life. A comprehensive rehabilitation policy was formulated, offering attractive surrender packages that include financial grants, monthly stipends, employment opportunities, housing, and education support. Even Naxalites in jail were encouraged to surrender. Separate teams comprising family members and local intermediaries were formed exclusively to facilitate surrenders. The results have been remarkable. In Chhattisgarh alone, more than 1,000 Naxalites surrendered in a single year in the year 2024, with entire squads, including senior members of organisations like the Dandakaranya Adivasi Kisan Mazdoor Sangh, laying down weapons together. Many former women cadres are now running the Bastar Cafe as a symbol of self-reliance, while others have joined local security units as “Bastar Fighters,” proudly protecting their own communities.
On the other side stands the “Bullet” – a clear message that those who refuse to give up violence will be dealt with firmly. Security forces have been given complete operational freedom and strong political backing. Modern equipment, sniper rifles, anti-spike boots, WHAP vehicles, Heron drones, and prompt air ambulance support have been provided to them. Specialised units such as CRPF, CoBRA, and District Reserve Groups (DRG) conducted intelligence-based operations with precision. A series of meticulously planned operations—such as Operations Octopus, Double Bull, Thunderstorm, Bhimbarg, Chakrbandha, and the landmark Black Forest—delivered decisive blows to Naxal strongholds, dismantling key infrastructure, neutralising cadres, and effectively crippling the movement across several affected states.
This dual policy created strong psychological clarity. Security personnel knew they have full support from the top leadership, while cadres understanding that there is a respectful path back if they choose peace. The impact is evident in the numbers: surrenders and arrests now far outnumber those neutralised in encounters. In 2024 and 2025, thousands of Naxalites laid down arms, compared to far fewer killed in operations—breaking the backbone of the organisation and weakening its hold over tribal youth.
The Union Government has maintained a firm and unwavering stance throughout. Between 2024 and March 2026, 706 Naxals were neutralised, 2,218 arrested, and 4,839 surrendered—underscoring the effectiveness of this approach. It has categorically ruled out unconditional dialogue, making it clear that talks are possible only with those willing to renounce violence. Those who continue to attack security forces, farmers, tribals, and civilians have been met with decisive force. This strategy has also led to the systematic neutralisation of top leadership, including CPI (Maoist) General Secretary Basavaraju and commander Hidma, along with several long-time operatives, while other senior leaders have surrendered and returned to the mainstream.
The collapse of the Naxal leadership has led to a dramatic decline in violence and the resulting loss of life and property. There was a time when IED explosions, ambushes, or landmine attacks made headlines almost every other day. Today, such incidents are rare, often not occurring for months at a stretch. Even when isolated attacks take place, security forces respond swiftly and effectively. The slight rise in violence reported in some areas like Sukma and Bijapur during 2022-23 was not a setback but rather a sign of progress — our forces had begun penetrating deep into the Maoists’ previously untouched core strongholds, forcing more direct confrontations. This clearly showed that the extremists were no longer safe even in their once-secure hideouts.
As the nation has achieved the target of Naxalmukt Bharat, the “Red Carpet vs Bullet” approach stands as a shining example of firm yet compassionate governance. It has not only reduced violence dramatically but also won hearts by offering a dignified path back to society. Under this Union Government, this balanced strategy is ensuring that the shadow of red terror finally lifts from our tribal lands, paving the way for lasting peace, security, and prosperity.