A Turning Point in the Fight Against Naxalism

Abujmarh, Chhattisgarh—This remote and rugged region, known as the “unknown hills,” was once a safe haven for Maoist insurgents. But in a stunning victory for security forces, a recent operation took down 27 Maoists, including Nambala Keshava Rao, alias Basavaraju, the second-highest-ranking leader in the outlawed CPI (Maoist) group. Basavaraju, who had been active for nearly 50 years, carried a bounty of Rs 1.5 crore on his head.

The Once Impregnable Stronghold

Just a few years ago, such an operation would have seemed impossible. The difficult terrain, coupled with a lack of support from the local tribal population, made the region nearly impenetrable. But that has all changed. Over the past two years, security forces have established a strong presence in Abujmarh, launching sustained anti-Maoist operations that have dealt a significant blow to the insurgency.

A Multi-Pronged Strategy

The success can be attributed to a multi-pronged strategy. Besides increased operations, the government has focused on development schemes to improve the lives of local people. This has led to greater support for the security forces from the tribal communities, further weakening the Maoists’ grip.

A Declining Movement

The recent operation against Basavaraju is just the latest in a series of victories for the security forces. Data from the past few years paint a clear picture:

• There was a 57 percent increase in Naxals killed in operations by security forces over the last two years.
• The number of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected districts has dropped significantly, from 126 before 2014 to 38 in April 2024.
• The number of violent incidents has also decreased by 53 percent between 2014 and 2024.

These developments suggest that the Maoist movement is on a downward spiral.

Taking Down the Leadership

The Maoist leadership has been significantly weakened. The Central Committee, the top decision-making body, has been reduced to half its strength. The Politburo, the next highest level, has only three members, all over 60 years old. There has been no significant recruitment of young cadres in recent years. This effectively cripples the movement’s ability to regenerate and sustain itself.

The Man Behind the Mask: Basavaraju

Basavaraju was a key figure in the Maoist hierarchy. He was a member of all three top bodies—the Central Committee, the Politburo, and the Central Military Commission.

He rose through the ranks for his militarily aggressive strategies, focusing on guerrilla warfare and strengthening the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA).

Authorities believe Basavaraju was behind several major Maoist ambushes against security forces, including the Dantewada attack in 2010 and the Darbha Valley ambush in 2013.

A Turning Point?

The recent success against Basavaraju and other key Maoist leaders marks a significant turning point in the fight against Naxalism. However, the challenge is far from over.

Sustained operations must be combined with effective policies and political outreach to tribal communities to ensure a lasting solution. Addressing the root causes of the conflict, such as poverty and lack of development, is crucial for achieving lasting peace in these troubled regions.