BIJAPUR: The area under Left-wing extremists’ influence, largely forested tracts of south Chhattisgarh with a few pockets spilling over to neighbouring states, has shrunk to just 8,500 sq km from a sprawling 18,000 sq km “liberated” area where Maoist writ ran a decade ago.
Sources said actual area with Maoist activity may be less than 8,500 sq km, given that even if one incident takes place, surrounding 50 sq km area is counted as LWE-affected. “Largely, Maoists are contained in five to six districts spread over Chhattisgarh and border areas of Maharashtra. Target is to reclaim these areas and eliminate LWE by March 2026,” an official said.
With counter-Naxal operations in top gear, 287 naxalites were neutralised and 992 arrested, while 837 surrendered this year. Engagements initiated by forces against Left-wing extremists in 2024 have been highest in past four years, with Chhattisgarh witnessing 112 of a total 156 such encounters recorded nationwide. Significantly, 102 of these 112 engagements were in seven districts of Bastar.
A three-dimensional strategy to defeat LWE – which includes strengthening of security grid by replacing the defensive approach with an offensive one; better coordination between central and state agencies; and pushing development in LWE-hit villages so that locals experience the benefits of governance that had been craftily blocked by Maoists – is credited for the shrinkage in LWE-hit area in the last 10 years.
The offensive approach has seen forces move deeper into what for long were Naxal strongholds, procure sophisticated weapons for forces deployed in ‘core’ areas, and employ innovative force-multipliers like all-terrain armoured trucks and drones to overwhelm Maoists. Location, mobile and social media analysis and use of scientific methods like call logs and forensics are being tactically used to tighten the noose around Left-wing extremists. “The Centre, setting aside differences in political ideologies and ego issues, helped LWE-hit states’ tackle Naxals by deploying central forces to reclaim Maoist areas, helicopter services, training, funds for better weapons and equipment, intelligence flow and offering assistance for the setting up of over 600 fortified police stations,” an officer said.
The funding channels of Reds have also been choked with Rs 98 crore seized from LWE of which states seized around Rs 22 crore and ED, Rs 11 crore. The National Investigation Agency has registered 96 LWE cases and filed a chargesheet in 77 till Nov this year. It also got properties worth Rs 40 crore, allegedly linked to the Maoists, attached.
Importantly, the improved security strategy is not being pursued in a vacuum. The 289 forward area bases (FOBs) or security camps set up by counter-Naxal forces in ‘Red bastions’, with more coming up, have created a secure bubble to facilitate development in the villages surrounding the camps. Key flagship schemes and welfare initiatives govt are being rolled out in these villages in a mission mode, robbing Maoists of reason to exploit the grievances of villagers.