Maoist Surrender & India’s Path to Peace

Описание: India’s decades-long Maoist insurgency seems near its end. In this Teach-Trick editorial analysis, understand why key Maoist leaders surrendered, how government policies weakened insurgency, and what’s next for India’s tribal regions. Perfect for UPSC GS-3 (Internal Security), Essay & Current Affairs prep.
"After decades of armed struggle, a new dawn seems to emerge from the red corridors of India. The surrender of top Maoist leaders may finally open the road to peace — but can the wounds of decades heal so easily?"
Background
The Maoist or Naxalite insurgency began in 1967 at Naxalbari, West Bengal, as a movement demanding land reforms and social justice.
Over the decades, it spread through the “Red Corridor” — covering Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and parts of Bihar.
The Indian government termed it the country’s “greatest internal security threat” in the 2000s.
However, improved counter-insurgency tactics, welfare schemes, and tribal development programs have weakened their influence drastically by 2024–25.
Main News
The editorial highlights that Maoist activities are now confined to just 11 districts, mainly Bijapur, Narayanpur, and Sukma in Chhattisgarh.
With the surrender of senior Politburo member Mallojula Venugopal Rao, the movement’s ideological core seems shaken.
He urged cadres to “abandon the dogmatic Chinese and Russian lines”, signaling openness to democratic participation.
This shift reflects a long-term decline in the insurgency’s legitimacy and public support.
Analysis / Causes of Decline

Improved counter-insurgency operations — professional, better coordinated, and sensitive to local realities.

Developmental outreach — roads, schools, healthcare, and employment schemes reached remote tribal belts.

Tribal disillusionment — many realised Maoists were using them as tools for violence, not upliftment.

Ban on Salwa Judum reduced state-sponsored violence, creating space for community rehabilitation.

⚙️ Challenges Ahead

Tribal underdevelopment still persists in pockets — poor education, health, and land rights.

Left-wing extremism ideology may still survive underground in new forms.

Reintegration of surrendered cadres into mainstream society remains difficult.

The balance between security and rehabilitation must be maintained carefully.
Conclusion / Solution
The surrender of key Maoist leaders opens a “new path” for peace and inclusive governance.
Now, the government must:

Deepen trust-building measures in tribal areas.

Promote local self-governance under the PESA Act and Forest Rights Act.

Create livelihood alternatives to wean away youth from violence.

Integrate surrendered cadres into community development roles.

Only by addressing the root socio-economic causes can India ensure lasting peace in its tribal heartlands.
"Once synonymous with fear and bloodshed, the Red Corridor now whispers the promise of peace. As Maoist leaders surrender and tribal voices grow stronger, India stands at a turning point — between past scars and future hope."
Mains Model Questions
Discuss the major factors responsible for the decline of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in India.
Critically examine the role of development and governance in tackling Maoist insurgency.
“Peace in tribal regions requires justice, not just security.” Comment.
MCQs
Which of the following States is NOT part of the traditional ‘Red Corridor’?
a) Chhattisgarh
b) Maharashtra
c) Punjab
d) Jharkhand
✅ Answer: c) Punjab
Explanation: The Red Corridor covers central and eastern Indian States; Punjab is not part of it.
The term ‘Salwa Judum’ is associated with:
a) A tribal dance in Chhattisgarh
b) A state-sponsored anti-Maoist movement
c) A peace accord between tribals and Maoists
d) A judicial initiative to resettle refugees
✅ Answer: b) A state-sponsored anti-Maoist movement
Explanation: Started in 2005 in Chhattisgarh; later banned by the Supreme Court in 2011.
Which of the following Acts empower Gram Sabhas in tribal areas to manage resources?
a) PESA Act, 1996
b) Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
c) Mines and Minerals Act, 1957
d) Panchayat Act, 1992
✅ Answer: a) PESA Act, 1996
Explanation: Provides self-governance rights to Gram Sabhas in Scheduled Areas.
The Maoist strategy of “encircling cities from rural bases” was inspired by:
a) Russian Revolution
b) Chinese Communist Revolution
c) Cuban Revolution
d) Vietnamese Liberation Struggle
✅ Answer: b) Chinese Communist Revolution
Explanation: Mao Zedong’s rural insurgency model inspired Indian Maoists.

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