Maoist Insurgency in India

Published on March 24, 2025, the report discusses the ongoing conflict involving the Communist Party of India (Maoist) and security forces in Bastar, Chhattisgarh.

Current Situation

• On March 20, 2025, 30 alleged Maoists were killed, bringing this year's death toll to over 100.
• The Maoist insurgency, once termed the "greatest security threat," has seen a decline, restricted to southern Chhattisgarh's forests.

Challenges and Strategies

• Maoists employ an anachronistic political strategy focusing on militarism, leading to a loss of support.
• Past anti-insurgency efforts, like the Salwa Judum campaign, have had flaws, sometimes affecting tribals caught in the conflict.
• The Indian government's militaristic approach might not suffice, as ideologies like Maoism can deepen under repression.

Proposed Solutions

• Incorporate civil society in peace efforts and offer a truce with incentives for Maoists to abandon violence.
• Draw lessons from international examples like FARC in Colombia and Nepali Maoists, who ceased insurgent activities.

Conclusion

For a sustainable resolution, the focus should be on addressing the underlying grievances of tribals and encouraging Maoists to change their approach to truly uplift the tribal communities they claim to represent.