India's Successful Campaign Against Left Wing Extremism: Approaching a Maoist-Free 2026

New Delhi:

India's protracted struggle against Left Wing Extremism (LWE) appears to be approaching its conclusion. According to recent information shared by the Ministry of Home Affairs in Parliament, districts affected by Maoist activities have dramatically decreased from 126 in 2014 to merely 11 in 2025, with only three regions still categorized as "most affected."

An additional 27 districts remain under surveillance as "Legacy & Thrust Districts."

Violence indicators have reached their lowest levels in decades:

- Incident rates have plummeted by 89% from their peak in 2010

- Overall fatalities have decreased by 91%

- Civilian casualties reduced from 222 in 2014 to 61 in 2025

- Security force fatalities declined from 88 to 32

The central government has established a target to make India completely Maoist-free by March 31, 2026.

Surrenders Increase While Arrests Decline

Recently, 11 CPI (Maoist) commanders and members with combined bounties totaling Rs 82 lakh surrendered to Gadchiroli police in Maharashtra, witnessed by Maharashtra's Director General of Police, Rashmi Shukla. Throughout 2025, 2,167 cadres have surrendered, more than doubling the 942 arrests made during the same period.

Between 2023-25, surrenders (3,424) exceeded arrests (2,956) – reversing the previous trend where arrests were predominant. This shift indicates demoralization among cadres, diminishing resources, and contracting recruitment channels.

The Strategic Shift: Policy Implementation, Security Forces, and Development

The 2015 National Policy and Action Plan catalyzed change through a three-dimensional approach:

Security Enhancement

- Construction of 656 fortified police stations

- Establishment of 377 new camps within six years

- Release of Rs 3,523 crore for operations and rehabilitation

- Allocation of Rs 1,757 crore under Special Infrastructure Scheme

- Targeted financial interception to restrict Maoist funding

Development Initiatives

- Construction of 14,978 km of roads and installation of 9,050 telecom towers in LWE districts

- Establishment of 46 ITIs, 49 skill centers, and 179 Eklavya schools

- Creation of 6,025 post offices, 1,804 bank branches, and 1,321 ATMs

- Provision of Rs 3,848 crore under Special Central Assistance to address critical infrastructural gaps

Rehabilitation Program

- Rs 5 lakh for senior cadres, Rs 2.5 lakh for others

- Monthly stipend of Rs 10,000 for three years

- Vocational training opportunities

Final Phase: March 2026

With violence at historic lows and surrenders reaching unprecedented numbers, the central government expresses confidence that a Maoist-free India is achievable within their projected timeframe.