NaxaliteMaoist

Naxalite-Maoist refers to the communist insurgency in India associated with the Naxalbari uprising and Maoist guerrilla strategy. The movement seeks radical agrarian reform and the overthrow of the Indian state through armed struggle, focusing on rural and tribal areas.

Origins trace to the 1967 Naxalbari uprising in West Bengal, led by Charu Majumdar, inspired by Mao Zedong’s ideas. In the following decades insurgent groups coalesced; in 2004 the Maoist groups PWG and MCC merged to form the Communist Party of India (Maoist).

Geography and tactics: The insurgency has been centered in the “Red Corridor” across central and eastern India, with strong activity in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region, Jharkhand, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar, and parts of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Tactics include guerrilla warfare, ambushes, improvised explosives, targeted killings, and extortion, aiming to mobilize tribal and rural communities over land and forest rights.

State response: The Indian government designated the CPI(Maoist) as a terrorist organization under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in 2009. Security operations, development programs, and counter-insurgency measures have been pursued, including attempts to win local support. The conflict has caused substantial casualties and disrupted development, though some gains have been reported in certain areas.

Impact and debate: The movement remains controversial. Supporters view it as a struggle against exploitation and marginalization, while critics highlight civilian harm and disruption to development. Analysts contend that durable resolution requires addressing land and forest rights, governance, and inclusive development in affected regions.

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