Mass Surrender of Maoists

Syllabus: GS3/Internal Security

Context

• 210 Maoists surrendered in Dandakaranya region of Chhattisgarh, following a similar event in Maharashtra, as a part of a broader strategy by the Union and state governments to abandon violence and embrace rehabilitation.

About Maoism, or Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)

• It was rooted in radical communist ideology, advocating armed struggle to overthrow the state and establish a classless society. 
• LWE in India traces its roots to the Naxalbari uprising of 1967 in West Bengal, inspired by Mao Zedong’s revolutionary tactics.
• The movement gained momentum through the formation of groups like the Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) and later the CPI (Maoist), which rejected electoral politics and embraced violent revolution.

Reasons for Maoism, or Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in India

• Socio-Economic Inequality: LWE has historically thrived in regions marked by poverty, illiteracy, and lack of basic services. Many tribal communities have faced:
  • Land alienation due to mining and industrial projects;
  • Displacement without adequate rehabilitation;
  • Limited access to education, healthcare, and employment;
• Governance Deficit: Remote districts often suffer from weak administrative presence and poor delivery of public services. This vacuum allowed Maoist groups to:
  • Establish parallel governance structures;
  • Exploit local grievances;
  • Gain legitimacy among disenfranchised populations;
• Tribal Discontent: Tribal populations, especially in forested regions have long felt excluded from mainstream development.
  • Maoists have capitalized on this alienation by aligning with local struggles and offering protection from perceived state exploitation.

Decline in Influence

• Once widespread across the ‘Red Corridor’, Maoist influence has significantly declined due to sustained government action.
• According to the MHA, the number of LWE-affected districts has dropped from 126 in 2010 to just 11 in 2025, with only three districts—Bijapur, Sukma, and Narayanpur in Chhattisgarh—marked as ‘most affected’.
  • 81% reduction in violent incidents and an 85% drop in fatalities between 2010 and 2024.

Government Strategy To Tackle LWE

• The National Policy and Action Plan (2015) to address LWE outlines a holistic approach:
  • Enhancing security infrastructure and personnel;
  • Promoting road connectivity and telecom access;
  • Ensuring rights and entitlements of tribal communities;
  • Coordinating development schemes across ministries.
• MHA has reaffirmed the government’s resolve to eliminate LWE by March 31, 2026, urging Maoists to abandon violence and join the mainstream.
  • Recent mass surrenders reflect growing disillusionment within the movement. Rehabilitation programs offer financial aid, vocational training, and housing to help former insurgents reintegrate into society.
• Security Measures:
  • Deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and specialized anti-Naxal units.
  • Use of technology and intelligence, including drones and surveillance systems.
  • Establishment of Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) to maintain presence in remote areas.
• Development Initiatives:
  • Road connectivity projects in remote tribal areas to improve access and mobility.
  • Expansion of telecom networks, electricity, and banking services.
  • Focus on education, healthcare, and livelihood programs to address socio-economic grievances.
  • Transformation of ‘Red Zones’ into Growth Corridors through targeted investment.
• Ideological Countermeasures: The government is actively confronting Maoist propaganda through community engagement and awareness campaigns.
  • Seminars like ‘Bharat Manthan 2025 – Naxal Mukt Bharat’ aim to build consensus and share best practices across states.

Source: TH