Maoist Movement in Decline

In an operation conducted by security forces in May in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district, 31 Maoists, including Nambala Keshav Rao alias Basavaraju — the general secretary of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist) — were killed. In recent years, the Maoist movement has weakened significantly. The killing of their top leader by security forces has dealt a major blow to the organization. Due to intensified operations by security forces and administrative efforts in education and connectivity, the Maoist movement — especially in its stronghold of Chhattisgarh — is visibly losing ground.

 

Roots in Naxalbari

The movement began in 1967 in a small village called Naxalbari in West Bengal, where a group of people revolted against the established system. Leaders like Kanu Sanyal and Charu Mazumdar led this uprising. The movement demanded land rights and social justice for tribal communities, often resorting to violence. From West Bengal, it spread to regions like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana — forming what is now known as the "Red Corridor." This forest-rich belt, abundant in natural resources, allowed the movement to flourish. In 2004, various splinter groups united under the Communist Party of India (Maoist), intensifying their activities.

 

Chhattisgarh Suffered the Most

Compared to other regions of the country, tribal areas remained underdeveloped. Maoists exploited this, continuously inciting local populations against the state and misleading youth. At one point, Maoists were active in nearly one-third of India. Among all affected states, Chhattisgarh bore the brunt. The Bastar region was considered their stronghold. According to police estimates, around 40,000 Maoists were active in Chhattisgarh in 2011, with 10,000 of them armed. In 2016, 76 security personnel were martyred in a Maoist attack on a paramilitary convoy. In 2013, several Congress leaders were killed in a Maoist ambush.

 

Decline in Civilian Deaths in Maoist Attacks:

·         2010: 720

·         2014: 222

·         2024: 121

 

Attacks on Economic Infrastructure:

·         2010: 365

·         2014: 100

·         2024: 25

 

(Source: South Asia Terrorism Portal; data from 6 March 2000 to 4 July 2025)

 

 

Relentless Operations

After the 2010 Dantewada massacre in which 76 personnel were killed, the central government launched an intensified campaign against Maoists under “Operation Green Hunt.” Around 40,000 security personnel were deployed in Chhattisgarh. These operations have continued over the years, and even previously untouched areas now have permanent security camps. As a result, Maoist activities have significantly decreased.

 

Key Statistics:

·         1,936 Maoist incidents in 2010

·         374 Maoist incidents in 2024
→ 81% reduction

·         1,005 deaths of civilians and forces in 2010

·         150 deaths in 2024
→ 85% reduction in casualties

 

Upgraded Security Infrastructure

The central and state governments have reformed the security apparatus extensively. Police forces have been modernized with advanced weaponry. A dedicated District Reserve Guard (DRG) was formed with local youth. Infrastructure has been developed, and programs were launched for community policing, village security committees, and Maoist rehabilitation. Since 2019, 280 new security camps have been set up in Bastar, along with the formation of 15 new joint task forces and deployment of six CRPF battalions.

 

Youth Skill Development

Maoists exploited innocent tribal youth by promising a "revolution for the poor" and offering meager compensation. These youths were then used to target security forces. To counter this, the government launched awareness programs through radio jingles, pamphlets, and documentaries. 48 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and 61 skill development centers have been established to empower local youth.

 

Focus on Connectivity and Economy

·         Mobile connectivity has significantly improved: Out of 10,505 planned mobile towers, 7,768 are operational.

·         In 30 districts, 1,007 bank branches and 937 ATMs have been opened, along with 5,731 new post offices since April 2015.

·         37,850 banking correspondents are now active across affected districts.

·         Road development has accelerated in 44 LWE-affected districts and surrounding areas:
→ Of the 17,589 km sanctioned, 14,618 km of roads have been completed.

 

Tourism as an Economic Alternative

The Bastar region is rich in natural beauty and biodiversity, but Maoist threats had long hindered tourism. With the decline in violence, the situation is improving. In 2021, 1 lakh tourists visited Bastar; in 2024, the number jumped to 4 million. Locals have started homestays, and demand for indigenous products has risen. This has opened up new livelihood opportunities, encouraging even those who had migrated to cities to return to their villages.