Decades of Conflict: The Maoist Insurgency's Toll
India has been grappling with the Maoist insurgency, also known as the Naxalite movement, for over five decades. Originating in the late 1960s as a pro-peasant movement, it evolved into a significant internal security threat, particularly in the central and eastern regions known as the 'Red Corridor.' Since 2000, this conflict has claimed nearly 12,000 lives, including civilians, security personnel, and insurgents, as reported by multiple sources on the web.
The insurgency peaked in the late 2010s, with nearly 180 districts affected by Maoist violence. The armed wing, called the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army, primarily uses small arms to target security forces and government workers. Over the years, more than 4,000 civilians and 2,500 security personnel have lost their lives, underscoring the devastating human cost of this prolonged conflict.
Recent Victories: A Decline in Violence
In recent years, India has seen a significant reduction in Maoist violence, with incidents dropping by 48% from 2013 to 2023. As of 2025, only six districts remain heavily affected, a sharp decline from the peak of 180, with areas like Bijapur, Kanker, Narayanpur, and Sukma in Chhattisgarh, West Singhbhum in Jharkhand, and Gadchiroli in Maharashtra identified as the most impacted. This progress is attributed to intensified counter-insurgency operations and development initiatives by the Indian government.
Operation Black Forest in 2025 marked a critical blow to the Maoists, with the killing of key leaders like Nambala Keshav Rao and Basavaraju, described by the Indian government as the 'most decisive strike' in 30 years. Additionally, posts on X highlight that 113 Maoists were killed in the first 80 days of 2025 alone, reflecting the aggressive push by security forces. Home Minister Amit Shah has set a deadline of March 2026 to eradicate Naxalism entirely from India.
Development has also played a pivotal role, with over 11,000 kilometers of roads built in Maoist-hit areas, mobile towers erected in remote forests, and more than 9,000 surrendered insurgents rehabilitated. These efforts aim to address the socio-economic grievances that fuel the insurgency, particularly among tribal communities.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Calls for Peace
Despite these gains, challenges remain. Maoists continue to retain some support among tribal populations, who often feel marginalized by the state. Calls for peace talks persist, with some urging the government to pressure rebels into abandoning their armed struggle, as noted in recent editorials on the web.
The killing of Basavaraju and other leaders has been hailed as a potential turning point, yet the insurgency's deep-rooted causes—poverty, land disputes, and inequality—require sustained attention. As India approaches the 2026 deadline set by Home Minister Shah, the balance between military action and dialogue will be crucial in determining whether this decades-long war can truly be won.