The recent surge in anti-Maoist operations in Chhattisgarh, particularly in the Bastar region, marks a significant shift in India’s counterinsurgency strategy. A strong political will, enhanced coordination among security forces, and infrastructure expansion in Maoist-dominated areas have led to intensified operations. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reiterated the central government’s commitment to eradicating Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) by March 2026, leading to a focused and aggressive approach.

Rising Casualties and Operational Successes:

The most recent encounter in Bijapur’s Indravati National Park on February 9, 2025, resulted in the killing of 31 Maoists, bringing the total number of Maoists killed in Chhattisgarh to 81 within the first two months of 2025 alone.

In 2024, 219 Maoists were killed, the highest number recorded since the state’s formation in 2000. This increase in casualties indicates improved intelligence-gathering mechanisms and more frequent security operations.

However, security forces have also suffered losses, with two personnel killed in the latest encounter. The ongoing conflict continues to claim lives on both sides, underscoring the intensity of the counterinsurgency campaign.

Three-Pronged Strategy to Eliminate Maoist Insurgency:

1.     Security Measures: A significant component of the anti-Naxal strategy is strengthening the presence of Central and State police forces in LWE-affected areas.

·        Joint operations between state police and central armed forces such as the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (COBRA) have enhanced operational effectiveness. Capacity building includes upgrading weapons, communication systems, and infrastructure, such as using Mini UAVs, solar lights, and mobile towers.

·        Operation SAMADHAN, a comprehensive approach addressing intelligence gathering, operational strategy, and development, has been pivotal. The acronym stands for Smart Leadership, Aggressive Strategy, Motivation and Training, Actionable Intelligence, Dashboard-Based KPIs and KRAs, Harnessing Technology, Action Plan for Each Theatre, and No Access to Financing.

2.     Development Initiatives: The government has introduced several flagship programs to address the socio-economic factors contributing to Naxalism. The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) has improved rural connectivity, while the Aspirational Districts Programme focuses on holistic development, including constructing 15,000 houses in Naxal-affected regions.

·        Other initiatives include efforts to ensure 100% saturation of government welfare schemes in every village and the Skill Development in 47 LWE-Affected Districts Scheme, which targets employment generation.

·        The Civic Action Program (CAP) provides financial grants for Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) to undertake welfare activities in these regions. The Special Infrastructure Scheme focuses on creating basic infrastructure like roads, bridges, and schools in remote areas, enhancing governance through the recruitment of local personnel.

3.     Empowerment and Rehabilitation: Building trust between the government and tribal communities is crucial in countering Maoist influence.

·        Public engagement efforts aim to reduce alienation, while surrender and rehabilitation schemes offer incentives like education, vocational training, and financial aid for former Maoists.

·        Addressing grievances such as land rights, fair land acquisition policies, and implementing the Forest Rights Act of 2006 are key steps in reducing socio-economic disparities.

Understanding Maoism:

Maoism, a form of communism developed by Mao Tse Tung, seeks to capture state power through armed insurgency, mass mobilization, and strategic alliances. Maoist ideology revolves around violent revolution, with the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) trained to use extreme violence to spread terror.

·        The Communist Party of India (Maoist), formed in 2004, is the most violent Maoist formation in India and is banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

·        Maoists use propaganda and disinformation against state institutions, mobilizing people over perceived inadequacies of the existing system to indoctrinate them into armed resistance.

Geographical Spread and Influence of Naxalism: The Red Corridor, spanning states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra, remains the stronghold of Naxalite activities due to difficult terrain and socio-economic deprivation. Apart from rural areas, Naxalite ideologies have also influenced urban intellectuals and student organizations, a phenomenon termed 'Urban Naxalism.'

Challenges in Eliminating Maoist Insurgency:

Several factors contribute to the persistence of Maoist insurgency. Historical marginalization of tribals and Dalits, coupled with inadequate development in interior areas, fuels discontent. Despite significant financial allocations, governance and implementation failures hinder progress.

The centralized command structure of the CPI (Maoist) enables strategic planning, whereas the government’s fragmented response allows Maoists to maintain strongholds like Abhujmadh as logistical bases.

Additionally, the Naxal-affected regions house 80% of India’s coal reserves and 19% of other mineral resources, providing Maoists with financial leverage.

A trust deficit persists due to ineffective governance, displacement without proper rehabilitation, and the non-implementation of constitutional provisions such as the Fifth and Ninth Schedules.

Government’s Counter-Insurgency Strategies

·        Security infrastructure:  A key aspect of the counter-Maoist strategy is the expansion of security infrastructure. The establishment of forward base camps in Maoist strongholds like Abujhmad and south Bastar has facilitated security force movements and restricted Maoist activities. Since 2019, over 100 police camps have been set up in Bastar, with 30 new camps established in 2023 alone.

·        Infrastructure development: Infrastructure development has played a crucial role in integrating isolated regions. The expansion of road networks and mobile communication towers, enabled by these security bases, has improved civilian access to essential services. Initiatives such as the Niyad Nellanar scheme aim to provide essential services and build trust among villagers, countering Maoist influence through development.

·        Intelligence: Another significant development is the rise in Maoist surrenders and arrests. In 2023, 428 Maoists were arrested and 398 surrendered, while in early 2024, the numbers nearly doubled with 837 arrests and 802 surrenders. Intelligence gathered from surrendered and arrested Maoists has helped security forces dismantle Maoist networks and strategize more effective operations.

·        Operational coordination has also improved, with multi-force operations involving the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Special Task Force (STF), Bastar Fighters, CRPF, BSF, ITBP, SSB, and Chhattisgarh Armed Force (CAF). Better coordination and inter-district operations have been key factors in recent successes, alongside adaptive counterinsurgency tactics.

Case Studies:                                             

Several states have successfully countered Naxalism using tailored strategies. Andhra Pradesh combined aggressive security operations with socio-economic initiatives, while Chhattisgarh’s Operation Prahaar disrupted Naxalite networks through intelligence-led strikes. Maharashtra’s Project Salam focused on rehabilitating surrendered Naxalites, reducing violence in affected districts.

Way Forward

·        Sustained success against Maoist insurgency requires a balanced approach that integrates security, governance, and socio-economic development. Governance reforms should include the constitution of Tribal Advisory Councils and enforcement of Land Ceiling Acts under the Ninth Schedule to redistribute land to the landless. Economic development initiatives must focus on alternative livelihoods to replace dependence on illegal activities such as opium cultivation.

·        Security measures should involve the deployment of specialized paramilitary units to secure tribal areas while empowering local governance structures. Equitable resource management should ensure that tribals are stakeholders in the exploitation of natural resources.

The escalation of anti-Maoist operations in Chhattisgarh represents a decisive shift in India’s fight against Left-Wing Extremism. Increased security deployments, strategic forward bases, infrastructure development, and improved intelligence gathering have contributed to recent successes. As the central and state governments push towards their 2026 target for eliminating Maoist insurgency, continued efforts in security, governance, and socio-economic development will be crucial in determining the long-term outcome of this conflict.

Source: The Indian Express