Naxalism Stalls Development Rather Than Poverty Breeding It, Says CRPF IG Rakesh Agrawal

CRPF IG Rakesh Agrawal said Naxalism stalls development, not poverty. Speaking at Republic Summit 2026, he noted insurgents target infrastructure like schools and roads to isolate communities. He said security forces protect projects, and basic security is needed for welfare. Areas affected by extremism have decreased over ten years.