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Summary:

The number of districts in India affected by Maoist violence has decreased from 46 in April to 38. Only three districts are now categorized as “most affected.” The central government aims for a Maoist-free India by 2026, and security agencies are actively working towards this goal. The decline in affected districts is attributed to ongoing operations and a national policy involving both central and state governments. A review of districts under the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme, which provides financial aid to states for combating Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), reflects this improvement. The government is also focusing on “heritage and critical” districts, where Naxalism has been largely eradicated but requires continued support to prevent resurgence.

News Article:

Maoist Influence Waning in India; Government Targets 2026 for Complete Eradication

New Delhi: Maoist violence is on the decline in India, with the number of affected districts dropping significantly, according to a recent government review. The Ministry of Home Affairs reports that the number of districts impacted by Maoist insurgency has decreased from 46 in April to 38 currently, spread across nine states. Notably, only three districts remain in the “most affected” category, signaling a marked improvement in the security situation.

The central government, under the leadership of Home Minister Amit Shah, has set an ambitious target of achieving a Maoist-free India by January 26, 2026. Security forces are intensifying operations to dismantle Maoist strongholds and encourage surrenders. A large number of Maoist cadre as well as top leaders have surrendered.

This progress is attributed to the implementation of the ‘National Policy and Action Plan 2015’ for tackling Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), a collaborative effort between the central and state governments. The policy includes providing financial assistance to affected states through the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme.

According to sources within the security establishment, the number of “Left-Wing Extremism affected districts” in the country has come down from 18 to 11 in April. These districts are classified as most affected, districts of concern and other LWE affected districts. Bijapur, Narayanpur and Sukma are included in the most affected and districts of concern. Other districts are Dantewada, Gariaband and Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki of Chhattisgarh and Kandhamal of Odisha.

Focus is also being placed on “heritage and critical” districts, 27 in number, where the Maoist presence has diminished but require continued support to prevent a resurgence of the insurgency. These include districts in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and West Bengal.

While challenges remain, government officials express confidence that ongoing strategies and focused efforts will pave the way for a complete eradication of Maoist influence by the 2026 deadline.

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