Operational Dismantling of Maoist Insurgency: UPSC Current Affairs Story Arc

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GS-3 (Internal Security)GS-2 (Government Policies & Development)5 events · 2025-05-02 → 2026-02-19

From a 'Red Corridor' once haunting 180 districts to a 'Red Pocket' of just 11. By late 2025, Maoist violence plummeted by 90%, and nearly 1,800 cadres surrendered in a single year, signaling the twilight of India’s longest internal conflict.

Overview

This arc chronicles the systematic operational dismantling of the Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) movement in India between 2024 and 2026. Centered on the multi-pronged 'Operation Kagar,' the Union Government integrated high-tech surveillance, targeted military action, and aggressive development outreach to squeeze the insurgency out of its traditional strongholds. Once a pan-India security threat, the movement was successfully compressed into a tiny geographical fragment—primarily South Bastar—due to a combination of internal leadership crises, high-profile surrenders like Mallojula Venugopal Rao, and a loss of local tribal support. This transition marks a shift from 'managing' an insurgency to 'eliminating' its operational capacity.

How This Story Evolved

Operation Kagar launched/intensified (May 2025 report) → Insurgency confined to 18 districts (Aug 2025) → High surrender/kill stats reported (Nov 2025) → Violence drops 90% and districts fall to 11 (Jan 2026)

  1. 2025-05-02: Operation Kagar: Anti-Naxal Military Campaign
    More details

    UPSC Angle: Operation Kagar: Anti-Naxal campaign integrating security and development.

    Key Facts:

    • Operation Kagar launched in January 2024
    • Launched by Union Government
    • Integrates security, surveillance, and development
    • Core zones: Bastar, Gadchiroli, West Singhbhum
    • Operation: Kagar
    • Type: Anti-Naxal military campaign
    • Launched in: January 2024
    • Launched by: Union Government
    • Integrates: Security action, surveillance technology, and development outreach
    • Objective: To dismantle Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)
    • Core zones: Bastar (Chhattisgarh), Gadchiroli (Maharashtra), West Singhbhum (Jharkhand)
    • Reduced Naxal-affected districts from: 106 (in 2015) to just 6 in 2025
    • Aims to: Restore state control, enable development, and protect tribal communities from Maoist exploitation
    • Over 287 Naxals neutralized in 2024 and 150+ in 2025 already
  2. 2025-08-10: Decline of Maoist Insurgency in India
    More details

    UPSC Angle: Maoist insurgency confined to 18 districts, down from 180.

    Key Facts:

    • Maoist insurgency limited to 18 districts
    • Formerly dominant across the Red Corridor
    • Decline caused by targeted development, counterinsurgency, leadership crises, internal rifts
    • Affected districts dropped from nearly 180 in the late 2000s to 18 in 2024
    • Leadership crises after Ganapathy's resignation and Basava Raju's failures
  3. 2025-11-08: Current Status of the Maoist Insurgency
    More details

    UPSC Angle: Decline of Maoist insurgency due to security and development efforts.

    Key Facts:

    • Sharp decline in Maoist strength
    • 333 Maoists killed, 398 arrested, and 1,787 surrendered in 2025 (SATP data till October 29)
    • 103 Maoists surrendered in Bijapur
    • Senior leader Mallojula Venugopal Rao and 60 cadres surrendered in Gadchiroli
    • 210 Maoists (110 women) surrendered in Jagdalpur
  4. 2026-01-05: Decline in Maoist Violence in India
    More details

    UPSC Angle: Maoist-related violence in India has decreased by nearly 90%.

    Key Facts:

    • Decline in Maoist violence: nearly 90% (2010-2025)
    • LWE-affected districts in 2018: 126
    • LWE-affected districts by October 2025: 11
    • Most affected districts: Bijapur, Narayanpur, Sukma
  5. 2026-02-19: Naxal-affected districts in India reduce to 7
    More details

    UPSC Angle: Naxal-affected districts in India reduce to 7.

    Key Facts:

    • Naxal-affected districts reduced to 7.
    • Union government aims to end Naxal menace by March 2026.
    • Ministry of Home Affairs issued new categorization effective February 9.

Genesis

Trigger

The launch of 'Operation Kagar' in January 2024 by the Union Government, which moved away from defensive containment to a proactive, integrated dismantling strategy.

Why Now

The initiative capitalized on a leadership vacuum following the resignation of Ganapathy and the strategic failures of his successor, Basava Raju, which left the Maoist cadres disillusioned and tactically weak.

Historical Context

Building on the 'SAMADHAN' doctrine (2017) and the Aspirational Districts Programme, this arc represents the 'final push' to clear the remaining core zones in the Bastar-Gadchiroli-Singhbum belt.

Key Turning Points

  1. [2024-01-15] Launch of Operation Kagar

    Shifted the state's posture from holding territory to actively dismantling the insurgency's command and control.

    Before: Insurgency spread across 100+ districts. After: Targeted focus on Bastar, Gadchiroli, and West Singhbhum.

  2. [2025-10-29] Mass Surrender Milestone (SATP Report)

    Over 1,787 surrenders in one year broke the logistical backbone of the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA).

    Before: Cadres stayed in the jungle. After: Mass exits, including 110 women in Jagdalpur and 103 in Bijapur.

Key Actors and Institutions

NameRoleRelevance
GanapathyFormer General Secretary of CPI (Maoist)His resignation triggered a leadership crisis and internal rifts that significantly weakened the movement's ideological cohesion.
Basava RajuSuccessor Leader of CPI (Maoist)His strategic failures and inability to counter modern surveillance led to major operational losses and high surrender rates among cadres.
Mallojula Venugopal RaoSenior Maoist LeaderHis surrender in Gadchiroli with 60 cadres in late 2025 served as a symbolic and functional 'breaking point' for the insurgency's high command.

Key Institutions

  • Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
  • South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP)
  • Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
  • Greyhounds (Specialized Anti-Naxal Unit)

Key Concepts

Red Corridor

The contiguous region in eastern and central India experiencing significant Naxalite–Maoist insurgency, once spanning from Andhra Pradesh to West Bengal.

Current Fact: The corridor has shrunk from 180 districts in the late 2000s to just 18 districts by August 2025.

Operation Kagar

A specialized anti-Naxal military campaign integrating security actions, drone-based surveillance, and development outreach.

Current Fact: Launched in Jan 2024, it reduced affected districts to 6 core zones by early 2025.

SAMADHAN Doctrine

The government's holistic strategy: S-Smart Leadership, A-Aggressive Strategy, M-Motivation, A-Actionable Intelligence, D-Dashboard KPIs, H-Harnessing Technology, A-Action Plan, N-No Access to Financing.

Current Fact: The 'H' (Technology) component was pivotal in the 90% drop in violence reported by 2026.

What Happens Next

Current Status

As of January 2026, the insurgency is confined to just 11 districts (down from 126 in 2018), with violence concentrated in the 'Bistar Tri-junction' (Bijapur, Narayanpur, Sukma).

Likely Next

Declaration of several states as 'LWE-Free' by mid-2026 and a massive shift toward post-conflict reconstruction and infrastructure in South Bastar.

Wildcards

Potential 'tactical retreats' where cadres merge into civil society front organizations or shifts in the geopolitical landscape that could provide fresh arms/funding via cross-border proxies.

Why UPSC Cares

Syllabus Topics

  • Linkages between development and spread of extremism
  • Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security

Essay Angles

  • The pen vs the sword: Balancing development and security in tribal heartlands.
  • Internal Security: From containment to dismantling—lessons from the Red Corridor.

Prelims Likely: Yes

Mains Likely: Yes

Trend Signal: rising

Exam Intelligence

Previous Year Question Connections

  • Conflict resolution mechanisms in Bastar involving kidnappings and prisoner exchange. — The arc shows the shift from 'negotiation' and 'hostage crises' to 'dismantling' via Operation Kagar.
  • Relationship between Gujral Doctrine and development in Naxal areas. — Highlights the evolution from 'dialogue' to 'targeted development outreach' within Operation Kagar.

Prelims Angles

  • Districts remaining under LWE influence as of Oct 2025 (Bijapur, Narayanpur, Sukma).
  • Statistical decline in LWE districts from 2018 (126) to 2025 (11).
  • Core operational zones of Operation Kagar (Bastar, Gadchiroli, West Singhbhum).

Mains Preparation

Sample Question: Evaluate the effectiveness of the 'Security-Development-Rights' nexus in the dismantling of the Maoist insurgency between 2024 and 2026. Does the success of Operation Kagar suggest a blueprint for other internal security challenges?

Answer Structure: Intro: Cite the 90% drop in violence and shrinkage to 11 districts. Body 1: The Security Pillar (Operation Kagar, surrenders). Body 2: The Development/Rights Pillar (outreach, surrender policies). Analysis: Role of leadership vacuum and internal rifts. Way Forward: Preventing a vacuum in liberated areas.

Essay Topic: The Twilight of the Red Corridor: A Victory for Democracy or Development?

Textbook Connections

Nitin Singhania. Indian Economy (2nd ed.). > Chapter 6: Aspirational Districts Programme > p. 148

Connects the security success to the 35 LWE districts targeted for socio-economic transformation.

Gap: Textbook focuses on the beginning of development outreach (117 districts); the arc shows the operational 'endgame' result of these efforts.

Majid Husain. Geography of India (9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > p. 57

Explains the ideological roots of PWG and Naxalites in Telangana/Andhra.

Gap: Describes the group as 'operating for more than two decades' in Telangana, while the arc shows their total retreat from these areas into South Bastar.

Quick Revision

  • Operation Kagar launched: January 2024.
  • Violence decline (2010-2025): Nearly 90%.
  • Districts affected in 2018 vs. 2025: 126 vs. 11.
  • SATP 2025 stats: 333 killed, 398 arrested, 1,787 surrendered.
  • Most affected remnant districts: Bijapur, Narayanpur, Sukma.
  • Key surrendered leader: Mallojula Venugopal Rao (Gadchiroli).
  • Maoist leadership crisis: Triggered by Ganapathy's resignation and Basava Raju's strategic failure.

Key Takeaway

The transformation of the Maoist insurgency from a national security threat to a localized policing issue (11 districts) demonstrates the success of a 'Security-first, Development-integrated' proactive doctrine.

All Events in This Story (5 items)

  1. 2025-05-02 [Defense & Security] — Operation Kagar: Anti-Naxal Military Campaign
    Operation Kagar is an anti-Naxal military campaign launched in January 2024 by the Union Government, integrating security action, surveillance technology, and development outreach to dismantle Left-Wing Extremism (LWE). The core zones are Bastar (Chhattisgarh), Gadchiroli (Maharashtra), West Singhbhum (Jharkhand). Reduced Naxal-affected districts from 106 (in 2015) to just 6 in 2025.
    More details

    UPSC Angle: Operation Kagar: Anti-Naxal campaign integrating security and development.

    Key Facts:

    • Operation Kagar launched in January 2024
    • Launched by Union Government
    • Integrates security, surveillance, and development
    • Core zones: Bastar, Gadchiroli, West Singhbhum
    • Operation: Kagar
    • Type: Anti-Naxal military campaign
    • Launched in: January 2024
    • Launched by: Union Government
    • Integrates: Security action, surveillance technology, and development outreach
    • Objective: To dismantle Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)
    • Core zones: Bastar (Chhattisgarh), Gadchiroli (Maharashtra), West Singhbhum (Jharkhand)
    • Reduced Naxal-affected districts from: 106 (in 2015) to just 6 in 2025
    • Aims to: Restore state control, enable development, and protect tribal communities from Maoist exploitation
    • Over 287 Naxals neutralized in 2024 and 150+ in 2025 already
  2. 2025-08-10 [Defense & Security] — Decline of Maoist Insurgency in India
    Maoist insurgency, formerly widespread across the Red Corridor, is now confined to 18 districts, a significant reduction from nearly 180 districts in the late 2000s. This decline is attributed to targeted development initiatives, continuous counterinsurgency efforts, internal divisions, leadership crises, rigid ideology, and loss of local support. Leadership crises after Ganapathy's resignation and Basava Raju's strategic failures weakened the organization's operational strength.
    More details

    UPSC Angle: Maoist insurgency confined to 18 districts, down from 180.

    Key Facts:

    • Maoist insurgency limited to 18 districts
    • Formerly dominant across the Red Corridor
    • Decline caused by targeted development, counterinsurgency, leadership crises, internal rifts
    • Affected districts dropped from nearly 180 in the late 2000s to 18 in 2024
    • Leadership crises after Ganapathy's resignation and Basava Raju's failures
  3. 2025-11-08 [Defense & Security] — Current Status of the Maoist Insurgency
    India has sharply weakened the Maoist movement through a combined push on security, development, and rights, with 333 Maoists killed, 398 arrested, and 1,787 surrendered this year as per South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP) data till October 29, 2025. Large-scale surrenders highlight the waning influence, including 103 Maoists in Bijapur, senior leader Mallojula Venugopal Rao and 60 cadres in Gadchiroli, and 210 Maoists (110 women) in Jagdalpur.
    More details

    UPSC Angle: Decline of Maoist insurgency due to security and development efforts.

    Key Facts:

    • Sharp decline in Maoist strength
    • 333 Maoists killed, 398 arrested, and 1,787 surrendered in 2025 (SATP data till October 29)
    • 103 Maoists surrendered in Bijapur
    • Senior leader Mallojula Venugopal Rao and 60 cadres surrendered in Gadchiroli
    • 210 Maoists (110 women) surrendered in Jagdalpur
  4. 2026-01-05 [Defense & Security] — Decline in Maoist Violence in India
    Maoist-related violence in India has decreased by nearly 90% between 2010 and 2025, with affected districts falling from 126 in 2018 to 11 by October 2025, mainly confined to south Bastar. Bijapur, Narayanpur, and Sukma are the most affected districts.
    More details

    UPSC Angle: Maoist-related violence in India has decreased by nearly 90%.

    Key Facts:

    • Decline in Maoist violence: nearly 90% (2010-2025)
    • LWE-affected districts in 2018: 126
    • LWE-affected districts by October 2025: 11
    • Most affected districts: Bijapur, Narayanpur, Sukma
  5. 2026-02-19 [Polity & Governance] — Naxal-affected districts in India reduce to 7
    A fresh review of regions affected by Left Wing Extremism has reduced the number of affected districts in India from eight to seven, aligning with the Union government's declaration to end the Naxal menace by March 2026. The Ministry of Home Affairs issued the new categorization effective February 9.
    More details

    UPSC Angle: Naxal-affected districts in India reduce to 7.

    Key Facts:

    • Naxal-affected districts reduced to 7.
    • Union government aims to end Naxal menace by March 2026.
    • Ministry of Home Affairs issued new categorization effective February 9.

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