Page 584 - SSB Interview: The Complete Guide, Second Edition

In this section, we will delve into the meaning of Naxalism and its evolution
into India’s most threatening internal security issue.

What is Naxalism or Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)?

Naxalism is a movement led by Charu Majumdar and Kanu Sanyal in
Naxalbari village in the district of Darjeeling in West Bengal in 1967 that

propagates the use of violence through guerrilla communist groups with the
aim to destabilise the State.

History and Evolution of Naxalism in India

1946: Tebhaga Movement started in West Bengal against landlords to
cut land revenue from half to one-third.

1946–1951: People of Telangana started a radical movement against

oppression by Nizam rule.

1959: Kisan Sabhas were started by CPI (Communist Party of India) to

find solutions for farmers’ problems.

1964: The CPI split due to a rift because the party was diverting towards
the democratic state, which was opposite to the Communist principles

and formed a new party called Communist Party of India (Marxist).

1967: After the CPI (Marxist) formed a coalition government in West

Bengal, Charu Majumdar accused the CPI (M) of betraying the
revolution.

25 May 1967: An uprising was led by Charu Majumdar along with rebel
cadres in Naxalbari, Darjeeling in West Bengal and within 72 days of

the rebellion, a police sub-inspector and nine tribals were killed, leading
to the downfall of the CPI (M)-led United Front government, resulting

in the birth of Naxalism.

Phases of Naxalism: