Maoist influence shrinks amid government's multi-pronged strategy
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah has declared that India will be free of Maoist insurgency by March 31, 2026, as the latest report from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) highlights significant progress in curbing Left-Wing Extremism (LWE).
Despite efforts by Maoists to expand their influence along inter-state borders, they have achieved little success, the report states.
The government's strategy, which combines robust security operations with targeted development programs in Maoist-affected regions, has led to a 48% decline in violent incidents over the past decade, dropping from 1,136 in 2013 to 594 in 2023. Similarly, casualties among civilians and security forces have decreased by 65%, from 397 in 2013 to 138 in 2023.
The geographical spread of LWE-related violence has also narrowed significantly. In 2023, only 171 police stations across 42 districts reported Maoist activity, a sharp reduction from 328 police stations in 76 districts in 2013. Notably, 91% of the violence now occurs in just 25 districts.
The CPI (Maoist) remains the most active and dangerous LWE faction, accounting for over 90% of violent incidents and 95% of deaths. The group’s attempts to expand influence in new areas have been largely thwarted by intensified security measures.
However, the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) remains a significant challenge, causing the majority of security force casualties. To address this, the MHA has introduced new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for IED management and expanded counter-IED training for paramilitary and state police forces.
The first half of 2024 saw a 1.7-fold increase in security operations against Maoists, rising from 59 in the corresponding period of 2023 to 103. This intensified effort resulted in a five-fold increase in neutralized Maoists, from 30 in 2023 to 159 in 2024.
Development initiatives have played a crucial role in eroding Maoist influence. Many cadres have abandoned violence, encouraged by enhanced infrastructure and outreach programs in affected regions.
Improved intelligence coordination has significantly bolstered anti-Maoist operations. Real-time information sharing through the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) at the national level and the State Multi-Agency Centre (SMAC) has enhanced operational precision. Additionally, Joint Command and Control Centres in Chhattisgarh and Bihar, coupled with better human and technical intelligence, have proven effective.
The creation and strengthening of State Intelligence Bureaus (SIBs) with central funding have further empowered state-level actions against LWE factions.