Reference Article: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance:
– GS Paper III: Internal Security, Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), Developmental Challenges
– Essay / Ethics: Violence vs. Democratic Engagement, State Legitimacy
The Maoist insurgency, once termed India’s biggest internal security threat, is now significantly weakened — operational influence is limited to just 11 districts, with true core activity narrowed to Bijapur, Narayanpur, and Sukma in south Chhattisgarh.
Why Has Maoism Declined? — Multi-Factor Success
Security & Governance Convergence
- Indian security forces adapted ground strategies to suit local terrain and tribal contexts.
- District administrations and successive governments since the mid-2000s pushed rapid development — roads, schools, welfare delivery, livelihoods.
Failed Maoist Strategy
- They sought to emulate the Chinese Communist model — rural encirclement of cities.
- Tried to build alternative governance in remote forests across Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh.
- Tribals initially cooperated due to state absence, but soon experienced exploitation and militarisation by Maoists.
Turning Points
| Trigger | Impact |
|---|---|
| Salwa Judum (2005+) | Gave Maoists recruitment surge due to tribal displacement & brutality |
| Supreme Court ban on Salwa Judum | Ended state excesses, forced professionalisation of anti-Maoist operations |
| Development + welfare expansion | Tribals saw real tangible benefits from the democratic state |
| Growing disillusionment with violence | Maoists seen as obstructionists, not liberators |
Global Parallels
Similar patterns observed in Peru (Shining Path), Colombia (FARC), Philippines, Malaysia —
insurgencies collapse when locals begin to see the state as a provider, not an oppressor.
Emerging Ideological Shift
A landmark acknowledgment came from Maoist Politburo member Mallojula Venugopal Rao (surrendered) —
He called for abandoning outdated Chinese/Russian-style armed revolution, signalling willingness to enter democratic political space.
Way Forward
- Facilitate safe democratic reintegration, not purely security-driven approach.
- Continue development & state legitimacy, avoiding past mistakes like Salwa Judum.
- Prevent resurgence by addressing tribal grievances, land rights, and governance vacuum.
Conclusion
The Maoist movement is no longer an existential threat — but its final collapse depends on the Indian state’s ability to sustain trust among tribals. If Maoists fully abandon the gun for ballots, it will mark a historic transition from violence to democratic participation, benefiting millions in India’s most underserved regions.
UPSC Mains Practice Question (GS Paper III):
“The decline of Maoism in India demonstrates that development and democratic legitimacy are more powerful than militaristic suppression.” Analyse.
