Syllabus: Linkages between development and spread of extremism
Context: Following counter-insurgency operations and wave of surrenders/arrests, India’s decades-old Maoist insurgency significantly weakened.
Key Data (2025)
- Surrenders
- 1,849 militants surrendered — third-highest since 2000 (after 2016, 2022).
- Arrests
- 836 Maoists arrested: highest since 2017.
- Decade-wise average: 2000s (663/year), 2010s (777/year), 2020s (496/year) thus showcasing declining trend.
- Fatalities
- 333 Maoist deaths: second-deadliest year since 2000 (after 343 in 2006).
- Geographic Contraction
- 2013: 175 LWE-affected districts
- 2018: 60 districts
- 2025: 11 districts
- Significance
- Accelerated reduction in geographic spread indicates effective counter-insurgency and declining Maoist influence.
Q- Discuss the challenges that remain in completely eliminating Maoist insurgency despite the significant reduction in LWE-affected districts. What strategies should be adopted to sustain this decline? (15 Marks)
