Red Terror or Dead Terror Ft. Sandeep Unnithan
Inside India's Fight Against Naxalism | Is This the End of Red Terror? | Ft. Sandeep Unnithan
In this deep-dive episode of In Our Defence, veteran defence journalist Sandeep Unnithan joins host Dev Goswami to unpack India's decades-long battle with Left Wing Extremism (LWE) — often called Naxalism or Red Terror — and the recent decisive push to eradicate it by March 2026.
Dev and Sandeep explore the evolution of the Naxal movement from its origins in Naxalbari in 1967 to its spread across India's infamous 'Red Corridor', and the multi-pronged strategy that has brought the insurgency to its lowest levels in decades.
Key topics include:
The historic neutralisation of CPI (Maoist) General Secretary Basavaraju in Operation Black Forest
The spike in encounters and surrenders in 2024–25
Why counter-insurgency in jungles is as deadly — and complex — as high-tech border warfare.
Why the Indian Army was never deployed against Naxals — and what could have happened if they had.
The role of urban intellectual support in sustaining the movement — and why that's now faded.
This episode is an eye-opening look at one of India's longest-running internal conflicts, now seemingly entering its final phase. Tune in.
Produced by Garvit Srivastava
Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti
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NDTV
29 minutes ago
- NDTV
"Surrender And Join The Mainstream": Amit Shah Rules Out Talks With Maoists
Hyderabad: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday ruled out any talks with Maoists and said the cadre of the proscribed outfit should give up arms, surrender before police, and join the mainstream. Addressing a rally after inaugurating the National Headquarters of the Turmeric Board in Nizamabad in Telangana, Amit Shah also said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is still raising questions on Operation Sindoor, should see the weak appearance of Pakistan to understand the effectiveness of the Operation. "Congress asks (the Centre) to hold discussions with these people (Maoists). Our government's policy is 'no talks' with those who hold arms. Give up weapons, surrender, and join the mainstream," Amit Shah said. He further said that about 10,000 people in the Northeast gave up weapons and joined the mainstream. They even contested elections held for positions ranging from the Taluk level to state assemblies. Similarly, more than 2,000 Maoists have surrendered in the past one and a half years. "Give up weapons and surrender. If you don't surrender, we have decided that before 31 March 2026, Naxalism will be finished in this country," the Home Minister said. He said 40,000 people lost their lives since about four decades in Maoist violence in Adivasi regions. Many Adivasis lost their limbs or even their lives, he said. Those who talk in favour of Maoism, what would they reply to the family members of Adivasis and security personnel who lost their lives in Maoist violence, he asked. He said he fears that Congress should not give shelter in Telangana to Maoists who are on the run across the country. However, there is no need to worry as the Modi government is in power at the Centre, he said. He told Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy that he should not allow the state to become the den of Maoists. "He (Reddy) may do anything. But, I say again. We will finish Naxalism from the entire country by March 31, 2026," he said. Shah asserted that the Centre gave a firm reply to the three major terror attacks in the country during the last 11 years. He said surgical strikes were carried out after the Uri terror incident, while air strikes were conducted after the Pulwama terror attack. Now, after the Pahalgam terror incident, a reply was given by "breaking into the house" of Pakistan, he said. After the Pahalgam attack, PM Modi had said that a lesson would be taught, and Pakistan was then issuing a nuclear bomb threat. Congress was thinking that nothing would happen, he said. However, the brave soldiers of the country's armed forces destroyed the headquarters of terror outfits (in Pakistan), he said. "Even today, Rahul Gandhi keeps asking some or other questions. Rahul Baba, what kind of proof are you asking for? See Pakistan's (bad) situation, then you will understand," he mocked. After Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister, the security of the country was strengthened, he said, alleging that it was neglected during the previous Congress rule. Attacking the ruling Congress and BRS in Telangana, he alleged that the Congress government has not taken any action as per law against the corruption allegations against the previous BRS regime vis-a-vis the Kaleshwaram project, Dharani land portal, and others. Telangana, which was once the "ATM of BRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao" has now become the ATM of "Congress in Delhi", he alleged. The same corruption and the same talk in defence of Maoists is going on, he charged. Shah, who called for making the BJP assume power in the state, said only a double-engine government of PM Modi can ensure the welfare and progress of Dalits, backward classes, farmers, adivasis, women, and youth in the state. The Union Home Minister highlighted the pro-farmer measures of the NDA government, such as the transfer of Rs 6,000 into farmers' bank accounts under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi. Earlier, speaking at an event where the headquarters of the turmeric board was inaugurated, Shah said the Centre has set a target of achieving USD one billion in turmeric exports by 2030. He said the board would focus on packing, branding, marketing, and export of the commodity. The turmeric board would work towards ensuring remunerative prices for farmers, export of their produce, besides research and development, he said. Shah further said, during the 2023 assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised to establish a Turmeric board in Telangana, and it was fulfilled. Union Coal and Mines Minister and Telangana BJP president G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar, BJP MP from Nizamabad D Arvind, Telangana ministers Tummala Nageswara Rao and D Anasuya Seethakka attended the inauguration of the office of the turmeric board. Earlier, Kishan Reddy and other leaders received Amit Shah when he arrived at Hyderabad's Begumpet airport. The establishment of the Turmeric Board has been a major demand of the turmeric farmers in Nizamabad, and it was also a key election issue. BJP Lok Sabha member Arvind, who had promised to set up the turmeric board, had defeated BRS MLC and then Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao's daughter K Kavitha in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. He was re-elected in 2024. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
'No talks': Amit Shah asks Naxalites to give up arms, join mainstream
Union home minister Amit Shah on Sunday ruled out any talks with naxalites and asserted that members of the banned group must give up arms, surrender, and join the mainstream. Speaking at a rally after inaugurating the National Headquarters of the Turmeric Board in Nizamabad, Telangana , Shah further said that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who continues to question Operation Sindoor , should look at Pakistan's current weakened state to grasp the success of the operation. 'Congress asks (the Centre) to hold discussions with these people. Our government's policy is 'no talks' with those who hold arms. Give up weapons, surrender, and join the mainstream,' Shah said. He highlighted that over 10,000 people in the Northeast have laid down arms and joined mainstream society, even contesting elections from local to state levels. In the last 18 months, more than 2,000 naxalites have surrendered. 'Give up weapons and surrender. If you don't surrender, we have decided that before 31 March 2026, Naxalism will be finished in this country,' he said. Shah pointed out that around 40,000 lives have been lost in four decades of Naxal violence in Adivasi areas. He questioned what answer those who speak in support of Naxalism would give to the families of Adivasis and security personnel who have lost their lives to naxalist violence. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Don't Pay Full Price for 2025's Top Games! Shop Now Undo He expressed concern that Congress might provide shelter to fleeing naxalites in Telangana, but assured people that the Modi government would not allow that to happen. Addressing Telangana CM A Revanth Reddy, Shah said, 'He may do anything. But, I say again. We will finish Naxalism from the entire country by March 31, 2026.' Shah also responded to Rahul Gandhi's questions on Operation Sindoor, asking him to look at Pakistan's weakened condition to understand the effectiveness of the operation. 'Even today, Rahul Gandhi keeps asking some or other questions. Rahul Baba, what kind of proof are you asking for? See Pakistan's (bad) situation, then you will understand,' he said. Shah said the country had given strong responses to all major terror attacks over the last 11 years, from surgical strikes after Uri to air strikes post-Pulwama, and the recent retaliation following the Pahalgam terror incident. Criticising the ruling Congress in Telangana, Shah said it had failed to act on corruption charges against the previous BRS government, including irregularities in the Kaleshwaram project and the Dharani land portal. He alleged that Telangana, which was once the 'ATM of BRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao,' has now become the ATM of 'Congress in Delhi.' Shah urged voters to support the BJP in the state and said only a 'double-engine' government with PM Modi could guarantee development and welfare for farmers, Dalits, backward classes, women, and youth. Earlier, during the inauguration of the turmeric board's headquarters, Shah announced the Centre's aim of achieving $1 billion in turmeric exports by 2030. He said the board would focus on branding, marketing, and R&D to secure better prices and global reach for farmers. The Turmeric Board's establishment was a major promise during the 2023 Telangana Assembly elections and had been a long-standing demand of Nizamabad farmers. Union ministers G Kishan Reddy, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, and Telangana ministers Tummala Nageswara Rao and D Anasuya Seethakka were also present at the event.
United News of India
an hour ago
- United News of India
Amit Shah vows to eliminate Naxalism by 2026
Nizamabad (Telangana), June 29 (UNI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's goal is to eliminate both terrorism and Naxalism from the country by March 30, 2026. He was addressing farmers at the Kisan Maha Sammelan held at the Polytechnic Grounds after inaugurating the National Turmeric Board Office in Nizamabad district on Sunday. Shah called upon Naxalites to immediately stop violence and surrender, stating that over 10,000 Naxalites have already laid down arms and rejoined the mainstream. 'Pakistan tried to intimidate us with the Pahalgam attack, but the world saw India's strength. The Modi government is determined not only to defeat terrorism but also to wipe out Naxalism by 2026,' he said. Turning to political matters, Shah expressed confidence in the BJP's rise in Telangana, saying, 'The enthusiasm among our workers reflects our imminent victory. BJP will definitely come to power in Telangana.' He praised MP Dharmapuri Arvind for fulfilling his promise to the people by securing the Turmeric Board for Nizamabad. 'Modi delivers what he promises. After four decades of struggle, Nizamabad has received the Turmeric Board. Its headquarters will be set up here, benefiting thousands of local farmers,' Shah said. He also announced the setting up of Bharat Organic Limited and Bharat Export Limited in Nizamabad, which will facilitate turmeric exports to America and Europe. Criticising opposition parties, Shah questioned whether the BRS government was involved in corruption, citing issues with the Dharani Portal and Kaleshwaram Project. 'BRS may be out of power, but corruption hasn't gone away. The Congress party has turned Telangana into an ATM for Delhi,' he alleged. Union Minister and Telangana BJP President G. Kishan Reddy thanked PM Modi and Amit Shah on behalf of Telangana's farmers. He noted that despite turmeric being grown in other states, Nizamabad was chosen for the board headquarters, showcasing the Centre's commitment to the state's farmers. Reddy highlighted several Central initiatives, including uninterrupted power supply, a Rs 3,500 urea subsidy, the Ramagundam fertilizer plant, and the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, under which funds are transferred directly to farmers' bank accounts. Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar lauded the farmers of Nizamabad for their persistent struggle. Calling them 'heroes,' he asked the crowd to applaud Amit Shah for his support and praised MP Arvind Dharmapuri, popularly known as 'Pasupu Arvind,' for his key role in achieving the board. He added that the Modi government's vision is not just to make farmers kings, but 'kings and maharajas,' and urged the public to give BJP a chance in Telangana. The event was attended by Nizamabad district in-charge Minister Seethakka, Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao, National Turmeric Board Chairman Palle Gangareddy, Secretary Bhavani Sri, MP Dharmapuri Arvind, Dr. Laxman, and Urban MLA Dhanpal Suryanarayana Gupta.
