P.V. Ramana on the Decline of India’s Maoists: A Strategic Shift

Once a formidable force in central and eastern India, the Maoist insurgency (or Naxalite movement) has seen a steep decline in recent years. Security analyst P.V. Ramana explores whether this marks a permanent victory for the Indian state or a temporary lull in a decades-long conflict.

The Rise and Fall of India’s Maoist Movement

The Maoist insurgency began with the 1967 Naxalbari uprising in West Bengal, advocating armed revolution and land redistribution. By the 2000s, it had spread across Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh, with rebels running parallel governments and funding operations via extortion.

Yet, Ramana notes a dramatic reversal in the last decade. Government strategies—combining military offensives like Operation Green Hunt with development projects—have eroded Maoist influence. Enhanced intelligence, drone surveillance, and better-equipped forces have further crippled their operations.

Why Are India’s Maoists Losing Ground?

1. Relentless Security Operations

The CRPF and state police have conducted sustained crackdowns, eliminating top leaders like Mallojula Koteswara Rao (Kishenji) and Ganapathy. Major encounters, such as the 2021 Chhattisgarh ambush that killed 26 rebels, have weakened their command structure.

2. Development Reaches Conflict Zones

Government initiatives—roads, mobile networks, and the Aspirational Districts Program—have connected remote regions. Welfare schemes like MGNREGA and direct cash transfers have reduced rural discontent, undercutting Maoist recruitment.

3. Internal Struggles & Mass Surrenders

Ideological rifts and forced tribal recruitment have alienated supporters. State rehabilitation policies have encouraged surrenders, while local communities increasingly resist Maoist coercion.

4. Shrinking Safe Havens

With Nepal’s Maoists entering politics and neighboring states cracking down, rebels face dwindling sanctuaries and funding sources.

Is the Maoist Threat Really Over?

Ramana warns against complacency. Despite setbacks, Maoists may adapt with:
– Guerrilla tactics (IEDs, targeted killings)
– Alliances with Northeast insurgents
– Recruitment in underdeveloped tribal belts

Unresolved issues like land rights, unemployment, and tribal exploitation could reignite unrest.

How Can India Ensure Lasting Peace?

Ramana advocates a balanced approach:
✔ Accelerate infrastructure in conflict zones
✔ Enforce fair land/forest rights for tribals
✔ Improve local governance to curb corruption
✔ Sustain community engagement to deter recruitment

Conclusion: A Fragile Victory

While security gains are significant, long-term stability depends on addressing root causes. As P.V. Ramana stresses, India must build “bridges, not just bullets” to fully neutralize the Maoist threat.

— NextMinuteNews