The Naxal movement in India is an area of increased concern in terms of intensity of violence, militarization, linkages with subversive/secessionist groups, and efforts to generate mass support. The Naxalites operate in a vacuum created due to an absence of administrative and political institutions; thereby the exploited segments of the population seek an alternative system of governance through the barrel of gun. The Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, while chairing the meeting of chief ministers of Naxal-infested states described the problem as the biggest internal security challenge.

At least 225 districts of the country are under the throes of some kind of militancy. 8,695 police station areas are affected by Naxalism. There are about 9,500 Naxalites spread across these affected states. Investigations reveal that Naxalites are involved in illicit narcotic trade and smuggling of counterfeit Indian currency. They have linkages with ISI, which provides sophisticated weapons and knowledge about improvised explosive devices. These groups are not only getting financial support from anti-India forces but, their cadres are also being trained by the LTTE.

After the merger of the CPML-PW and MCCI into the CPI (Maoists) in September 2004, efforts are on to group up with other splinter groups and to intensify the mass contact programme. Of the two groups, the MCCI was known for its brutal methods, and the PW was considered to be moderate. However, the Maoists leadership in Andhra Pradesh believes that the moderate approach led to irreversible losses, especially in North Telangana. In a bid to provide an impetus to their cause, the leadership expanded its reach into North Telangana, Ahiri in Maharashtra and some parts of Bastar district in Chattisgarh.

Naxalite groups in India continue to sustain their fraternal and logistic links with Nepal's Maoists. The chief ministers of Naxal-infested states have expressed their concern over the growing influence of Maoists from Nepal and believe that if not checked, they could easily infiltrate and make matters worse for India. In fact, the CPI (Maoist) and CMPN (Maoist) have already provided training, arms and finances to each other.

The Naxalite leadership continues to pursue its plan to wage a protracted people's war through the armed struggle to capture political power. They seem to lay greater focus on organising along military lines. Their constant effort is to upgrade their weaponry. Regular cadre recruitment is carried out, with schools being the latest focus of attention. Their aim here is to create 'bal-dasta', or child squads.

The Naxalites have a very well-knit organisational structure and have a pan-India strategy. They aim to control the economic resources of the region and operate in areas rich in natural resources like minerals, tendu patta, katha trees, etc. Apart from terrorising the local populace and traders, the Naxalites have also resorted to extortion. On the other hand, the various state governments had a different perception on this issue. In the past, they adopted differing, and sometimes mutually conflicted policies, probably due to political compulsions. While, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh have banned the Naxalites, Orissa expressed its inability to do so. Chhattisgarh initiated steps to counter Naxal violence. At the same time, the Andhra Pradesh government engaged in a peace process with the Naxalites for almost nine months, resulting in a sudden spurt in Naxal violence in the neighbouring states of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Chhatisgarh and Orissa.

Inside the 'Red Corridor', stretching from Nepal to Andhra Pradesh, the Naxalites have step up 'Dandakaranya Liberated Zones' in the tribal areas. These areas are home to various tribes who depend on the forest for their livelihood. As these tribal communities are heavily dependent on agriculture, the Naxalites have devised the idea of digging lakes, which could be used for irrigation and fish breeding. This idea laid the foundation of Janatana Sarkar or people's government. It is an alternative form of governance established by the Naxalites. A strong bond binds the Naxalites to the local people. This bond is fostered through monthly village meetings that discuss common problems and needs.

The government has defined a policy to combat Naxalism by simultaneously addressing issues pertaining to politics, security, development and public perception management. The Centre will deal sternly with the Naxalites indulging in violence. Further, the affected states will adopt a collective approach and pursue a coordinated response. The affected states will not negotiate with Naxal groups unless the latter agrees to give up violence. States that indicate signs of Naxal influence, but without the associated violence would have to focus on socio-economic development of the backward areas. Finally, the Centre will have to trace the source of funding of Naxalites and block its finances. Only a dedicated, determined approach will help tackle Naxalism.