Curbed Maoism in India

Maoism in India has been significantly reduced, with the insurgency now constrained mainly to a few pockets in the Bastar division of Chhattisgarh. This reduction is evidenced by a 90% drop in violent incidents from 2010 to 2025.

Decline in Affected Districts

• The number of Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected districts has fallen dramatically: 
  • 126 districts in 2010
  • 90 in April 2018
  • 70 in July 2021
  • 38 in April 2024
  • 18 in April 2025
  • 11 in October 2025
• Currently, Bijapur, Narayanpur, and Sukma in south Bastar are the most affected districts.

Historical Context

• Maoists entered the Dandakaranya region (DKR) in the early 1980s.
• DKR's remote, rugged terrain and marginalised tribal inhabitants contributed to administrative neglect and Maoist expansion.
• The conflict also stemmed from the state's focus on the extraction economy and tribal struggles for 'jal-jungle-zameen' (water, forest, land).

Government Initiatives

The government has made significant progress through the establishment of security camps in remote areas:

• Enhanced security footprint and improved police-to-population ratio.
• Reduced reaction time in emergencies, putting Maoists on the defensive.
• Psychological advantage for security forces and assurance for the local population.
• Improved human intelligence (HUMINT) capabilities.
• Infrastructure developments, such as roads and mobile towers, transforming local lifestyles.
• Increased civil administration presence, including officials like collectors and tehsildars.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the decline in Maoist influence, long-term challenges remain:

• Addressing structural issues and rights-based concerns as the local population integrates more with the state.
• Implementing constitutional guarantees, such as the Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas Act and Forest Rights Act.
• Establishing a task force with a strategic plan for development in the region until 2047, aligning with the Viksit Bharat vision.

Conclusion

The government has successfully diminished Maoist capabilities through strategic civil and security interventions. However, sustained peace and development require addressing underlying issues and ensuring democratic engagement of tribal populations in governance.