View source for Naxalite–Maoist insurgency

{{Short description|Armed conflict in India between the state and Maoists}}
{{EngvarB|date=March 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2021}}
{{split|Naxalism|date=June 2024|discuss=Talk:Naxalite–Maoist insurgency#Proposed split to "Naxalism"}}
{{Infobox military conflict
| conflict          = Naxalite–Maoist insurgency
| image             = Naxal Left-wing violence or activity affected districts of India 2018.svg
| image_size        = 300px
| caption           = [[Red Corridor]]&ndash;Naxalite active zones in 2018
| date              = {{start date|1967|05|18|df=yes}} – present<br />({{age in years, months, weeks and days|month1=5|day1=18|year1=1967}})
| place             = India
| status            = [[List of ongoing armed conflicts|Ongoing as a low level insurgency]]
*India successfully manages to reduce insurgent activity<ref>{{cite web|url=https://amp.dw.com/en/why-has-maoist-violence-subsided-in-india/a-64292819|title=Why has Maoist violence subsided in India?|work=[[DW-TV]]|date=1 May 2023|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref>
| combatant1        = '''{{flag|India}}'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/terroristoutfits/MCC.htm|title=Maoist Communist Centre – Left Wing Extremism, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120212092516/http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/terroristoutfits/MCC.htm|archive-date=12 February 2012|work=South Asia Terrorism Portal|access-date=21 May 2014}}</ref>
* {{flagicon image|CRPF Flag.svg}} [[Central Reserve Police Force|CRPF]]
* [[State Armed Police Forces]]
----
'''Militias:''' (until 2011)<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2161246.ece|title=Salwa Judum is illegal, says Supreme Court|author=J. Venkatesan|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=16 August 2022}}</ref>
* [[Tritiya Prastuti Committee]]
* [[Salwa Judum]]
* [[Sunlight Sena]]
* [[Kuer Sena]]<ref>{{cite book|author=Namrata Goswami|title=Indian National Security and Counter-Insurgency: The use of force vs non-violent response|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RiecBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA126|date=27 November 2014|publisher=[[Routledge]]|isbn=978-1-134-51431-1|pages=126–}}</ref>
* [[Ranvir Sena]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2000/06/20/stories/14202251.htm|title=A new twist to Ranvir Sena killings|access-date=25 December 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180430020150/http://www.thehindu.com/2000/06/20/stories/14202251.htm|archive-date=30 April 2018|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=20 June 2000}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Kd28Ay09adgC&q=ranvir+sena+naxalites&pg=PA53|title=Broken People: Caste Violence Against India's "untouchables"|access-date=24 December 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225091925/https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=Kd28Ay09adgC&pg=PA53&dq=ranvir+sena+naxalites&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiXkam73aPYAhVsK8AKHZrHBIIQ6AEIJDAA|archive-date=25 December 2017|isbn=978-1-564-32228-9|last1=Narula|first1=Smita|year=1999|publisher=Human Rights Watch Organization|page=53}}</ref>
* [[Bhumi Sena]]
* [[Lorik Sena]]
| combatant2        = {{flagicon image|South Asian Communist Banner.svg}} '''Naxalites:'''
* [[Communist Party of India (Maoist)|CPI (Maoist)]]
** [[People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (India)|PLGA]]
*Jharkhand Janmukti Parishad<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/amp/story/nation/2021/sep/28/maoist-gunned-down-in-jharkhand-encounter-jaguar-official-injured-2364930.html|title=Maoist gunned down in Jharkhand encounter, Jaguar official injured|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=11 September 2021|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref>
* People's Liberation Front of India<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/amp/national/east-and-northeast/3-peoples-liberation-front-of-india-members-held-for-demanding-levy-from-cmpdi-officials-881498.html|title=3 People's Liberation Front of India members held for demanding levy from CMPDI officials|newspaper=[[The Deccan Herald]]|date=2 September 2020|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref>
* Revolutionary Communist Centre<br>(2006–2019)<ref>{{cite web|title=Incidents and Statements involving RCC|url=https://www.satp.org/terrorist-incident-text/india-maoistinsurgency/revolutionary-communist-centre-rcc_Jan-2019|work=South Asia Terrorism Portal|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref>
* Odisha Maobadi Party <br>(2002–2015)<ref>{{cite web|title=Maoist Insurgency: Incidents and Statements involving Odisha Maobadi Party (OMP): 2015|url=https://www.satp.org/terrorist-incident-text/india-maoistinsurgency/odisha-maobadi-party-omp_Jan-2015|work=South Asia Terrorism Portal|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref>
* [[File:CPIML LIBERATION FLAG.png|25px]] [[Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) Liberation|CPIML Liberation]] (1974–1992)
** [[File:Lal sena.jpg|25px]] [[Lal Sena]]
* [[Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) Janashakti|CPIML Janashakti]] (1992–2013, merged into CPI(ML) Class Struggle)
* [[Communist Party of United States of India|CPUSI]]<br>(1997–2005)<ref>{{cite web|title=Incidents involving CPUSI|url=https://www.satp.org/terrorist-incident-text/india/communist-party-of-united-states-of-india-cpusi_Apr-2005|work=South Asia Terrorism Portal|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref>
* [[Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) New Democracy|CPIML ND]]
* [[File:South Asian Communist Banner.svg|25px]] [[Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) (Mahadev Mukherjee)|CPIML MM]]<br>(Until 2012)
* [[Akhil Bharat Nepali Ekta Samaj|ABNES]] (until 2002)
* {{flagicon image|Flag of TNLA.png}} [[Tamil Nadu Liberation Army|TNLA]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/LD22Ae01.html|title=Can a Governor withhold assent without reasons?|work=[[Frontline (magazine)|Frontline]]|author=V. Venkatesan|date=22 April 2010|access-date=21 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013000000/http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/LD22Ae01.html|archive-date=13 October 2018}}</ref><br>(until 2005)<ref>{{cite web|title=Tamil Nadu Liberation Army (TNLA)|url=https://www.satp.org/terrorist-profile/india/tamil-nadu-liberation-army-tnla|work=South Asia Terrorism Portal|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref>
{{collapsible list
| title = Supported by:|
* {{flagicon image|Flag of United Liberation Front of Asom.svg}} [[United Liberation Front of Assam|ULFA]]<ref name="Strat">{{cite web|work=[[Stratfor]]|title=Pakistan and the Naxalite Movement in India|date=18 November 2010|access-date=1 June 2011|url=https://worldview.stratfor.com/article/pakistan-and-naxalite-movement-india|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180330212604/https://worldview.stratfor.com/article/pakistan-and-naxalite-movement-india|archive-date=30 March 2018}}</ref>
* {{flagicon image|Unofficial flag_of Nagaland.svg}} [[National Socialist Council of Nagaland|NSCN]]<ref name="Strat"/>
* {{flagicon image|Bandera FPRM Manipur.png}} [[People's Liberation Army of Manipur|PLA-MP]]
* [[Maoist Communist Party of Manipur|MCPM]]
* [[Kangleipak Communist Party|KCP]]
|''Declared support:''
|{{flagicon image|ICL English.png}} [[International Communist League (Maoist)|International Communist League]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ci-ic.org/blog/2024/04/25/international-call-for-actions-he-who-is-not-afraid-of-death-by-a-thousand-cuts-dares-to-unhorse-the-emperor/ |title=International Call for Actions: "He who is not afraid of death by a thousand cuts dares to unhorse the emperor"|date=25 April 2024|work=CIIC|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref> 
|{{flagicon image|South Asian Communist Banner.svg}} [[Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) (2012)|CPN (Maoist)]]
|{{flagicon image|Flag of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist).svg}} [[Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) (2014)|CPN (Maoist) (2014)]]<ref>{{cite book|title=Regional Powers and Security Orders|page=240|year=2012|publisher=[[Routledge]]|first=Robert|last=Stewart-Ingersoll}}</ref>
|{{flagicon image|Flag of the Communist Party of the Philippines (alternative II).svg}} [[New People's Army|NPA]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/LD22Ae01.html|title=Philippine reds export armed struggle|newspaper=[[Asia Times]]|author=Al Labita|date=22 April 2010|access-date=21 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120414070000/http://atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/LD22Ae01.html |archive-date=14 April 2012|url-status=unfit}}</ref>
|{{flagicon image|South Asian Communist Banner.svg}} [[Purba Banglar Sarbahara Party|PBSP]]<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=[[The Sunday Guardian]]|title=Bangla Maoists involved in plan to target PM|url=https://www.sundayguardianlive.com/news/bangla-maoists-involved-plan-target-pm|date=9 June 2018|access-date=7 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907221442/https://www.sundayguardianlive.com/news/bangla-maoists-involved-plan-target-pm|archive-date=7 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><br>(until 2021)
|{{flagicon image|South Asian Communist Banner.svg}} [[Purbo Banglar Communist Party|PBCP]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/bangladesh/terroristoutfits/PBCP.htm|title=Purba Banglar Communist Party (PBCP), South Asia Terrorism Portal|work=South Asia Terrorism Portal|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref><br>(until 2021)
|{{flagicon image|South Asian Communist Banner.svg}} [[Centre of Indian Communists|CIC]] (until 1977)
|{{flagicon image|South Asian Communist Banner.svg}} [[Ceylon Communist Party (Maoist)|CCP (Maoist)]] (until 1976)<ref name="naxalite movement">{{cite book|author=Singh, Prakash|title=The Naxalite Movement in India|publisher=[[Rupa & Co.]]|year=1999|page=24}}</ref>
}}
| commander1        = {{flagicon|India|22px}} [[Droupadi Murmu]] <br />([[President of India|President]])<br />{{flagicon|India|22px}} [[Narendra Modi]] <br />([[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]])<br />{{flagicon|India|22px}} [[Amit Shah]]<br />([[Minister of Home Affairs (India)|Minister of Home Affairs]])<br /> {{flagicon image|CRPF Flag.svg}} [[Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar]] <br /> ([[Director General]])<br />{{flagicon image|CRPF Flag.svg}} [[Pranay Sahay]] <br /> ([[Director General|Former Director General]])<ref>{{cite news|title=Anti-Naxal operations will be intensified: CRPF chief Pranay Sahay|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-01-11/news/36280119_1_anti-naxal-operations-naxal-ambush-crpf-chief-pranay-sahay|access-date=31 March 2013|date=11 January 2013|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523233831/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-01-11/news/36280119_1_anti-naxal-operations-naxal-ambush-crpf-chief-pranay-sahay|archive-date=23 May 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>
----
[[Mahendra Karma]]{{KIA}}<br />(Leader of Salwa Judum)<br />[[Brahmeshwar Singh]] {{Assassinated}}<br />(Leader of Ranvir Sena)
| commander2        = {{flagicon image|South Asian Communist Banner.svg}} [[Muppala Lakshmana Rao|Ganapathy]]<br />{{flagicon image|South Asian Communist Banner.svg}} [[Nambala Keshava Rao|Basavraj]]<br>{{flagicon image|South Asian Communist Banner.svg}} [[Azad (Maoist)|Azad]]{{KIA}}<br/> {{flagicon image|South Asian Communist Banner.svg}} [[Anand (Maoist)|Anand]]{{Natural Causes}}<br />{{flagicon image|South Asian Communist Banner.svg}} [[Kosa (Maoist)|Kosa]]{{KIA}} <br />{{flagicon image|South Asian Communist Banner.svg}} [[Kishenji]]{{KIA}}<br />{{flagicon image|South Asian Communist Banner.svg}} [[Charu Majumdar]]{{POW}}<br />{{flagicon image|South Asian Communist Banner.svg}} [[Kanu Sanyal]]{{POW}}<br />{{flagicon image|South Asian Communist Banner.svg}} [[Jangal Santhal]]{{POW}}<br />{{flagicon image|South Asian Communist Banner.svg}} [[Sabyasachi Panda]]{{POW}}<br />{{flagicon image|South Asian Communist Banner.svg}} [[Prashant Bose]]{{POW}}<br />{{flagicon image|South Asian Communist Banner.svg}} [[Ashutosh Tudu]]{{POW}}<br />{{flagicon image|South Asian Communist Banner.svg}} [[Yalavarthi Naveen Babu]]{{KIA}}<br />{{flagicon image|South Asian Communist Banner.svg}} [[Narmada Akka]]{{KIA}}<br />{{flagicon image|South Asian Communist Banner.svg}} Arun Kumar Bhattacharjee{{POW}}<br />{{flagicon image|South Asian Communist Banner.svg}} [[Deo Kumar Singh]]{{Natural Causes}}<br />{{flagicon image|South Asian Communist Banner.svg}} [[Milind Teltumbde]]{{KIA}}<br />{{flagicon image|South Asian Communist Banner.svg}} [[Jagdish Mahto]]{{KIA}}<br />{{flagicon image|South Asian Communist Banner.svg}} [[Ravindra Singh Kushwaha]]{{POW}}<br/> {{flagicon image|South Asian Communist Banner.svg}} Subrata Dutta{{KIA}}<br />{{flagicon image|South Asian Communist Banner.svg}} [[Mahendar Prasad Singh|Mahendar Singh]]{{KIA}}<br />{{flagicon image|South Asian Communist Banner.svg}} Anil Baruah{{KIA}}<br />{{flagicon image|South Asian Communist Banner.svg}} [[Shankar Rao (Maoist leader)|Shankar Rao]]{{KIA}}
| strength1         = {{flagicon image|CRPF Flag.svg}} CRPF: 313,634
State Armed Forces :1,289,900
| strength2         = 10,000–20,000 members (2009–2010 estimate)<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-07-29/maoists-in-india-blow-up-pipelines-as-78-billion-in-resources-threatened.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100802095511/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-07-29/maoists-in-india-blow-up-pipelines-as-78-billion-in-resources-threatened.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 August 2010|work=Bloomberg|first=Mehul|last=Srivastava|title=Maoists in India Blow Up Pipelines, Putting $78 Billion at Risk|date=29 July 2010|access-date=1 July 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia/2009/09/20099191105479635.html|title=Indian police battle Naxalites|work=[[Al Jazeera]]|access-date=26 October 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091217115727/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia/2009/09/20099191105479635.html|archive-date=17 December 2009}}</ref><br />6,500–9,500 insurgents (2013 estimate)<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/index.php?ref=MjBfMDlfMTZfMTNfMV85Ml8xODM1NDA=|title=India faces internal challenge from Maoist-Naxalites|newspaper=[[The Financial Express]]|access-date=26 October 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150603160508/http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/index.php?ref=MjBfMDlfMTZfMTNfMV85Ml8xODM1NDA|archive-date=3 June 2015}}</ref>
| strength3         = 
| casualties1       = '''2000–2024:'''<br> 2,688 killed<ref>{{cite news|title=Yearly Fatalities|url=https://www.satp.org/datasheet-terrorist-attack/fatalities/india-maoistinsurgency|work=South Asia Terrorism Portal|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref>
| casualties2       = '''2000–2024:'''<br>4,515 killed<br>16,901 Surrendered <br>16,394 Arrested<ref>{{cite web|title=Yearly Fatalities|url=https://www.satp.org/datasheet-terrorist-attack/fatalities/india-maoistinsurgency|work=South Asia Terrorism Portal|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref>
| casualties3       = '''1996–2018:''' 12,877–14,369 killed overall<ref>See [[#Deaths related to violence (up to 2018)|table below]].</ref><ref name="justicegov">{{cite web|url=https://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/eoir/legacy/2014/02/25/India_Maoist.pdf|title=Armed Conflicts Report – India-Andhra Pradesh|publisher=Ploughshares|access-date=17 March 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20090318012208/http://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/eoir/legacy/2014/02/25/India_Maoist.pdf|archive-date=18 March 2009}}</ref><br>'''2000–2024:''' 4,032 civilians killed<ref>{{cite web|title=Yearly Fatalities|url=https://www.satp.org/datasheet-terrorist-attack/fatalities/india-maoistinsurgency|work=South Asia Terrorism Portal|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref>
| notes             = 
| campaignbox       = {{Campaignbox Naxalite insurgency}}
{{Internal conflicts in India}}
}}

The '''Naxalite–Maoist insurgency''' is part of an ongoing conflict between [[Left-wing terrorism|Left-wing extremist]] groups and the [[Indian government]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.economist.com/world/asia/displaystory.cfm?story_id=7799247 |title=India's Naxalites: A spectre haunting India |newspaper=[[The Economist]] |date=12 April 2006 |access-date=13 July 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100523074605/http://www.economist.com/world/asia/displaystory.cfm?story_id=7799247 |archive-date=23 May 2010 }}</ref> The Naxalites are a group of [[communism|communist]] supportive groups, who often follow [[Maoist]] political sentiment and ideology.

The insurgency started after the [[Naxalbari uprising|1967 Naxalbari uprising]] and the subsequent split of the [[Communist Party of India (Marxist)]] leading to the creation of a [[Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist)|Marxist–Leninist faction]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/history-of-naxalism/story-4f1rZukARGYn3qHOqDMEbM.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160814222816/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/history-of-naxalism/story-4f1rZukARGYn3qHOqDMEbM.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 August 2016|title=History of Naxalism|work=[[The Hindustan Times]]|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref> The faction splintered into various groups supportive of Maoist ideology, claiming to fight a rural rebellion and [[people's war]] against the government.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mccaine.org/2009/06/24/communists-fight-in-india/ |title=Communists Fight in India « Notes & Commentaries |date=24 June 2009 |work=Mccaine.org |access-date=13 July 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727073230/http://mccaine.org/2009/06/24/communists-fight-in-india/ |archive-date=27 July 2011  }}</ref>

The armed wing of the Maoists is called the [[People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (India)|People's Liberation Guerrilla Army]], mostly equipped with [[small arms]]. They have conducted multiple attacks on the security forces and government workers, which has resulted in the deaths of more than 4000 civilians and 2500 security force personnel since the 2000s. The influence zone of the Naxalites is called the [[red corridor]], which consists of about 25 [[Districts of India|districts]] in [[Central India|Central]] and [[East India]] in 2021.

The insurgency reached its peak in the late 2000s with almost 180 affected districts and has been on the decline since then due to the counter-insurgency actions and development plans formulated by the Indian government. Naxalite organisations and groups have been declared as terrorist organisations under the [[Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act of India (1967)]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/maoist/terrorist_outfits/Janashakti.htm|title=Maoist Communist Centre – Extremism, India|work=South Asia Terrorism Portal|access-date=1 April 2015|archive-date=26 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426151124/https://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/maoist/terrorist_outfits/Janashakti.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/maoist/terrorist_outfits/PWG.htm|title=People's War Group – Extremism, India|work=South Asia Terrorism Portal|access-date=1 April 2015|archive-date=25 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125074700/https://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/maoist/terrorist_outfits/PWG.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Etymology ==
The term ''Naxalite'' originated from the name of the village [[Naxalbari]] in [[West Bengal]] where an [[Naxalbari uprising|uprising of peasents]] occurred in 1967. The movement itself is referred to as "Naxalism" and the people engaged are termed as "Naxals" or "Naxalites". The term "Naxalism" is broadly applied to refer to all the communist insurgent movements.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Naxalite|title=Naxalite|encyclopedia=[[Britannica]]|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref>

== History ==
{{see also | Timeline of the Naxalite–Maoist insurgency }}

Naxalites are a group of far-left radical communists, supportive of [[Maoist]] political sentiment and ideology. Their origin can be traced to the splitting in 1967 of the [[Communist Party of India (Marxist)]], leading to the formation of the [[Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist)]]. Initially the movement had its centre in [[West Bengal]]. In recent years, it has spread into less developed areas of rural central and eastern [[India]], such as [[Chhattisgarh]] and [[Andhra Pradesh]] through the activities of underground groups like the [[Communist Party of India (Maoist)]]. [[Dalit]]s and other [[Caste system in India|lower-caste members]] have also joined the militant movement.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Persistence of Caste|pages=159–163|author=Anand Teltumbde|year=2010}}</ref>

In 2007, it was estimated that Naxalites were active across "half of India's 28 states" which accounted for about 40&nbsp;per cent of India's geographical area. The area under their control was known as the "[[Red Corridor]]", where according to estimates they had influence over 92,000 square kilometres. In 2009, Naxalites were active across approximately 180 districts in ten states of India<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=50833|title=Naxal Problem needs a holistic approach|last=Handoo|first=Ashook|publisher=Press Information Bureau|accessdate=2009-08-08|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090908173208/http://www.pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=50833|archivedate=8 September 2009|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In August 2010, [[Karnataka]] was removed from the list of Naxal-affected states<ref name="Karnataka no longer Naxal infested">{{cite news | url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-08-26/hubli/28275788_1_police-station-naxal-activities-home-minister | work=The Times Of India | location=India | title=Karnataka no longer Naxal infested | date=2010-08-26 | url-status=live | archiveurl=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20110902032455/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-08-26/hubli/28275788_1_police-station-naxal-activities-home-minister | archivedate=2 September 2011 | df=dmy-all }}</ref> In July 2011, the number of Naxal-affected areas was reduced to (including proposed addition of 20 districts) 83 districts across nine states.<ref name="indianexpress.com">[http://www.indianexpress.com/news/centre-to-declare-more-districts-naxalhit/812671/ Centre to declare more districts Naxal-hit] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20121216133547/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/centre-to-declare-more-districts-naxalhit/812671/ |date=16 December 2012 }}. Indian Express (2011-07-05). Retrieved on 2014-05-21.</ref><ref name="articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com">{{cite news | url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-23/india/29694293_1_plan-for-naxal-hit-districts-plan-panel-member-secretary-development-plan | work=The Times Of India | location=India | title=Development plan for Naxal-hit districts shows good response | date=2011-06-23 | url-status=live | archiveurl=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20110902032457/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-23/india/29694293_1_plan-for-naxal-hit-districts-plan-panel-member-secretary-development-plan | archivedate=2 September 2011 | df=dmy-all }}</ref>

=== Summary ===

The LWE is characterised in following 3 distinct phases, ''"Phase 1 (1967–1973)"'' – the formative phase, ''"Phase 2 (1967–late 1990s)"'' – the era of all-outthspread of LWE, and ''"Phase 3 (2004–now)"'' – relative decline after brief fightback.

* ''"Phase 1 (1967–1973) – the formative phase"'': <br />LWE originated from the [[Naxalbari uprising]] which was started in 1967 at [[Naxalbari]] by the radical faction of the [[Communist Party of India (Marxist)]] (CPI-M).<ref name="auto1"/> In 1969 the radical left CPI-M and formed the [[Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist)|Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) (CPI (ML))]],<ref name="auto"/> they recruited students and launched widespread violence in West Bengal against the "class enemies" (such as landlords, businessmen, university teachers, police officers, politicians of the right and left) and others.<ref name=urb6/> Consequently, in 1971, [[Indira Gandhi]] launched [[Operation Green Hunt|Operation Steeplechase]] – a large scale anti-insurgency army operation against the Naxalites during the [[President's rule]] during which hundreds of Naxalites were killed and 20,000 were imprisoned.<ref name=urb8/>
* ''"Phase 2 (1967–late 1990s) – spread of LWE"'': <br />During this phase LWE spread to India except [[Western India]],<ref name=urb10/> and in 1980 [[Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) People's War]] (People's War Group (PWG)) was founded, and [[Greyhounds (police)|Greyhounds]] counterinsurgency task force was formed by the government of Andhra Pradesh.<ref name=urb11/>
* ''"Phase 3 (2004–now) – relative decline after brief fightback''': <br />PWG and [[Maoist Communist Centre of India]] (MCCI) merged to form the Communist Party of India (Maoist) in 2004.<ref name=urb12/> It went in a slow decline due to the all out [[Operation Green Hunt]] by the Indian state, the death toll and violence increased during the brief fightback by Naxals during 2009 and 2010,<ref name="ndtv"/><ref name="TH-101706"/> Since then LWE has been consistently declining in its geographical spread, cadre strength and number of violent incidence while the government infrastructure development has picked up the pace.<ref name=urb1>[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/deaths-in-naxal-attacks-down-by-21-shah-at-cms-meeting/articleshow/86543018.cms Deaths in Naxal attacks down by 21%], Times Of India. 26 Sept 021.</ref>

=== Phase 1 (1967–1973) – formative phase ===
{{Maoism sidebar}}
{{Communism sidebar}}
{{Marxism–Leninism sidebar}}

The insurgency started in 1967 in the [[Naxalbari]] village of [[West Bengal]] by a radical faction of the CPI-M led by [[Charu Majumdar]], [[Kanu Sanyal]], and [[Jangal Santhal]] dubbed the Naxalbari uprising. Charu Majumdar wanted a [[protracted people's war]] in India similar to the [[Chinese Communist Revolution]]. He wrote the [[Historic Eight Documents]] which became the foundation of the naxalite movement in 1967.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|title=The Naxalbari Uprising|url=http://www.bannedthought.net/India/PeoplesMarch/PM1999-2006/publications/30%20years/part1.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101031003912/http://www.bannedthought.net/India/PeoplesMarch/PM1999-2006/publications/30%20years/part1.htm|archive-date=2010-10-31|access-date=2018-03-02|work=30 years of Naxalbari|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Nadeem Ahmed|title=Naxalite Ideology: Charu's Eight Documents|language=en|work=The Hindustan Times|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/naxalite-ideology-charu-s-eight-documents/story-hiCWDlzyc5yNRgYkBMX1qL.html|access-date=2018-03-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221162344/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/naxalite-ideology-charu-s-eight-documents/story-hiCWDlzyc5yNRgYkBMX1qL.html|archive-date=2016-12-21}}</ref>

The uprising inspired similar movements in [[Odisha|Orissa]], [[Andhra Pradesh]] ([[Srikakulam peasant uprising]]) and [[Kerala]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-06-26|title=The Hindu : Magazine / Reflections : From Naxalbari to Nalgonda|url=http://www.thehindu.com/mag/2004/12/05/stories/2004120500470400.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150626152543/http://www.thehindu.com/mag/2004/12/05/stories/2004120500470400.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2015-06-26|access-date=2021-07-30|website=archive.ph}}</ref>

==== Naxalbari uprising ====
{{Main|3 = Naxalbari uprising}}

On 18 May 1967, the Siliguri Kishan Sabha, of which [[Jangal Santhal]] was the president, declared their support for the movement initiated by [[Kanu Sanyal]], and their readiness to adopt armed struggle to redistribute land to the landless.<ref>{{Cite book|author=Sen, Sunil Kumar|title=Peasant movements in India: mid-nineteenth and twentieth centuries|publisher=K.P. Bagchi|year=1982|location=Calcutta}}</ref> At the time, the leaders of this revolt were members of the CPI (M), which joined a coalition government in West Bengal just a few months back. However, this led to dispute within the party as Charu Majumdar believed the CPM was to support a doctrine based on revolution similar to that of the People's Republic of China.<ref name="hindustantimes.com">{{Cite web|date=2018-02-22|title=History of Naxalism {{!}} india {{!}} Hindustan Times|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/history-of-naxalism/story-4f1rZukARGYn3qHOqDMEbM.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180222151700/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/history-of-naxalism/story-4f1rZukARGYn3qHOqDMEbM.html|archive-date=22 February 2018|url-status=dead|access-date=2019-11-12}}</ref><ref name="diplomat.com">{{Cite web|last=Roy|first=Siddharthya|title=Half a Century of India's Maoist Insurgency|url=https://thediplomat.com/2017/09/half-a-century-of-indias-maoist-insurgency/|access-date=2019-11-12|website=thediplomat.com|language=en-US}}</ref> Leaders like land minister [[Hare Krishna Konar]] had been until recently "trumpeting revolutionary rhetoric, suggesting that militant confiscation of land was integral to the party's programme."<ref>
{{cite book|author=Atul Kohli|title=From breakdown to order: West Bengal, in Partha Chatterjee, ''State and politics in India''|title-link=Partha Chatterjee (politician)|date=1998|publisher=OUP|isbn=0-19-564765-3|author-link=Atul Kohli}}p. 348</ref> However, now that they were in power, CPI (M) did not approve of the armed uprising, and all the leaders and a number of Calcutta sympathizers were expelled from the party. This disagreement within the party soon culminated with the Naxalbari Uprising on 25 May of the same year, and Majumdar led a group of dissidents to start a revolt.<ref name="hindustantimes.com" />

On 25 May 1967 in Naxalbari, [[Darjeeling district]], a [[sharecropper]] of tribal background ([[Adivasi]]) who had been given land by the courts under the tenancy laws was attacked by the landlord's men. In retaliation, tribals started forcefully capturing back their lands. When a police team arrived, they were ambushed by a group of tribals led by Jangal Santhal, and a police inspector was killed in a hail of arrows. This event encouraged many [[Santhal people|Santhal]] tribals and other poor people to join the movement and to start attacking local landlords.<ref name="rediff">{{cite web|last=Diwanji|first=A. K.|date=2 October 2003|title=Primer: Who are the Naxalites?|url=http://us.rediff.com/news/2003/oct/02spec.htm|access-date=2007-03-15|work=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref> After seventy-two days of revolt, the CPI (M) coalition government suppressed this incident.<ref name="hindustantimes.com" />  Subsequently, In November 1967, this group, led by [[Sushital Ray Chowdhury]], organised the [[All India Coordination Committee of Communist Revolutionaries]] (AICCCR).<ref name="mukh">
{{cite book|author1=Mukherjee, Arun|title=Maoist "spring thunder": the Naxalite movement 1967–1972|date=2007|publisher=K.P. Bagchi & Co., Calcutta|isbn=978-81-7074-303-3}}p.295</ref> Violent uprisings were organised in several parts of the country like the [[Srikakulam peasant uprising]].

[[Mao Zedong]] provided ideological inspiration for the Naxalbari movement, advocating that Indian peasants and lower class tribals overthrow the government of the upper classes by force.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-02-22|title=History of Naxalism {{!}} india {{!}} Hindustan Times|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/history-of-naxalism/story-4f1rZukARGYn3qHOqDMEbM.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180222151700/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/history-of-naxalism/story-4f1rZukARGYn3qHOqDMEbM.html|archive-date=22 February 2018|url-status=dead|access-date=2019-12-08}}</ref><ref name="diplomat.com" /> A large number of urban elites were also attracted to the ideology, which spread through Charu Majumdar's writings, particularly the Historic Eight Documents.<ref>{{cite news|date=15 December 2005|title=History of Naxalism|newspaper=Hindustan Times|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/news-feed/nm2/history-of-naxalism/article1-6545.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110208212611/http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/nm2/History-of-Naxalism/Article1-6545.aspx|archive-date=8 February 2011|df=dmy-all}}</ref> These documents were essays formed from the opinions of communist leaders and theorists such as Mao Zedong, [[Karl Marx]], and [[Vladimir Lenin]].<ref name="hindustantimes.com" /> Using [[Local people's court|People's court]]s, similar to those established by Mao, Naxalites try opponents and execute with axes or knives, beat, or permanently exile them.<ref name="ng201504">{{Cite journal|last=Loyd|first=Anthony|year=2015|title=India's insurgency|url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2015/04/india-coal-conflict-minerals-maoist-insurgency/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314104526/https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2015/04/india-coal-conflict-minerals-maoist-insurgency/|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 March 2018|journal=National Geographic|issue=April|pages=82–94|access-date=13 March 2018}}</ref>

==== Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) ====
{{ main | Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) }}

On 22 April 1969 ([[Lenin]]'s birthday), the AICCCR gave birth to the CPI (ML). The party was formed by the radicals of the CPI-M like Majumdar and [[Saroj Dutta]]. Practically all Naxalite groups trace their origin to the CPI (ML). The first party congress was held in Calcutta 1970. A Central Committee was elected. In 1971 Satyanarayan Singh revolted against the leadership, "individual killing of people branded as class enemy" and sectarianism of Majumdar. The result became that the party was split into two, one [[Provisional Central Committee, Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist)|CPI (ML) led by Satyanarayan Singh]] and one CPI (ML) led by Majumdar.

In 1972, frail and broken Majumdar died of multiple diseases in police custody presumably as a result of torture; his death accelerated the fragmentation of the movement. After his death a series of splits took place during the major part of the 1970s. The Naxalite movement suffered a period of extremely harsh repression that rivalled the [[Dirty War]]s of South America at the same time that the movement got all more fragmented.<ref name="auto">{{cite news|title=The Hindustan Times|work=History of Naxalism|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/history-of-naxalism/story-4f1rZukARGYn3qHOqDMEbM.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160814222816/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/history-of-naxalism/story-4f1rZukARGYn3qHOqDMEbM.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 August 2016}}</ref> After Majumdar's death the CPI (ML) central committee split into pro- and anti-Majumdar factions. In December 1972 the Central Committee of the pro-Charu Majumdar CPI (ML) led by Sharma and Mahadev Mukherjee adopted resolution to follow the line of Charu Majumdar unconditionally which others did not agree to. The pro-Charu Majumdar CPI (ML) later split into pro- and anti-[[Lin Biao]] factions. The pro-Lin Biao faction became known as [[Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) (Mahadev Mukherjee)]]<ref>{{cite web|last=granmarchacomunismo|date=24 May 2013|title=On the Question of Lin Piao – Gran Marcha Hacia el Comunismo (Long March Towards Communism)|url=https://granmarchahaciaelcomunismo.wordpress.com/2013/05/24/on-the-question-of-lin-piao-gran-marcha-hacia-el-comunismo-long-march-towards-communism/}}</ref> and the anti-Lin Biao-group later became known as [[Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) Liberation]]<ref>{{cite web|title=The Life of Vinod Mishra|url=http://www.cpiml.org/liberation/year_1999/january/homage11.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923210847/http://www.cpiml.org/liberation/year_1999/january/homage11.htm|archive-date=23 September 2015}}</ref> and was led by Jauhar, Vinod Mishra, Swadesh Bhattacharya.<ref name="auto" />  As a result of both external repression and a failure to maintain internal unity, the movement degenerated into extreme sectarianism.

==== Violence in West Bengal ====

Around 1971 the Naxalites gained a strong presence among the radical sections of the student movement in [[Calcutta]].<ref>Judith Vidal-Hall, "Naxalites", p. 73–75 in ''Index on Censorship'', Volume 35, Number 4 (2006). p. 73.</ref> Students left school to join the Naxalites. Majumdar declared that revolutionary warfare was to take place not only in the rural areas as before, but now everywhere and spontaneously. Thus Majumdar declared an "annihilation line", a dictum that Naxalites should assassinate individual "class enemies" (such as landlords, businessmen, university teachers, police officers, politicians of the right and left) and others.<ref name=urb6>{{cite news|author=Sen, Antara Dev |date=25 March 2010|title=A true leader of the unwashed masses|newspaper=DNA (Diligent Media Corporation)|location=Mumbai, India|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column_a-true-leader-of-the-unwashed-masses_1363010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107190230/http://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-a-true-leader-of-the-unwashed-masses-1363010|archive-date=7 January 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|author=Dasgupta, Biplab|year=1973|title=Naxalite Armed Struggles and the Annihilation Campaign in Rural Areas|journal=Economic and Political Weekly|volume=1973|pages=173–188 |url=http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/audience.nsf/b1bc9409c64d85a06525698d0025dc3c/5813146ae3eeee2e652572870041e297/$FILE/A0260027.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111127164644/http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/audience.nsf/b1bc9409c64d85a06525698d0025dc3c/5813146ae3eeee2e652572870041e297/$FILE/A0260027.pdf|archive-date=27 November 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The chief minister, [[Siddhartha Shankar Ray]] of the [[Indian National Congress|Congress Party]], instituted strong counter-measures against the Naxalites. The West Bengal police fought back to stop the Naxalites. The house of [[Somen Mitra]], the Congress MLA of Sealdah, was allegedly turned into a torture chamber where Naxals were incarcerated illegally by police and the Congress cadres. CPI(M) cadres were also involved in clashes with the Naxals. After suffering losses and facing the public rejection of Majumdar's "annihilation line", the Naxalites alleged human rights violations by the West Bengal police, who responded that the state was effectively fighting a civil war and that democratic pleasantries had no place in a war, especially when the opponent did not fight within the norms of democracy and civility.<ref name="rediff"/>

==== Operation Steeplechase ====
{{see also|Operation Green Hunt}}killing hundreds of Naxalites and imprisoning more than 20,000 suspects and cadres, including senior leaders.<ref name="urb8">{{cite book|last1=Lawoti|first1=Mahendra|title=The Maoist Insurgency in Nepal: Revolution in the Twenty-first Century|last2=Pahari|first2=Anup Kumar|publisher=[[Routledge]]|year=2009|isbn=978-1-135-26168-9|location=London|page=208|chapter=Part V: Military and state dimension|quote=The second turning point came in the wake of the 1971 Bangladesh war of independence which India supported with armed troops. With large contingents of Indian Army troops amassed in the West Bengal border with what was then East Pakistan, the Government of Indira Gandhi used the opening provided by a counter–insurgencythe President's Rule to divert sections of the army to assist the police in decisive counter–insurgency drives across Naxal–impacted areas. "Operation Steeplechase," a police and army joint anti–Naxalite undertaking, was launched in July–August 1971. By the end of "Operation Steeplechase" over 20,000 suspected Naxalites were imprisoned and including senior leaders and cadre, and hundreds had been killed in police encounters. It was a massive counter–insurgency undertaking by any standards.|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KtGNAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA208}}</ref> The [[Paramilitary forces of India|paramilitary forces]] and a [[brigade]] of [[Para Commandos (India)|para commandos]] also participated in ''Operation Steeplechase.'' The operation was choreographed in October 1969, and Lt. General [[J.F.R. Jacob]] was enjoined by [[Govind Narain]], the [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)#Home Secretary and other senior officials|Home Secretary of India]], that "there should be no publicity and no records" and Jacob's request to receive the orders in writing was also denied by [[Sam Manekshaw]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Pandita|first=Rahul|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IZ83V3JLXFMC&pg=PA23|title=Hello, Bastar : The Untold Story of India's Maoist Movement|publisher=Westland (Tranquebar Press)|year=2011|isbn=978-93-80658-34-6|location=Chennai|pages=23–24|oclc=754482226|quote=Meanwhile, the Congress government led by Indira Gandhi decided to send in the army and tackle the problem militarily. A combined operation called Operation Steeplechase was launched jointly by military, paramilitary and state police forces in West Bengal, Bihar and Orissa.<br />In Kolkata, Lt General J.F.R. Jacob of the Indian Army's Eastern Command received two very important visitors in his office in October 1969. One was the army chief General Sam Manekshaw and the other was the home secretary Govind Narain. Jacob was told of the Centre's plan to send in the army to break the Naxal. More than 40 years later, Jacob would recall how he had asked for more troops, some of which he got along with a brigade of para commandos. When he asked his boss to give him something in writing, Manekshaw declined, saying, 'Nothing in writing.' while secretary Narain added that there should be no publicity and no records.}}{{Dead link|date=October 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

By the 1970s the government led many crackdowns on the movement and by 1973 the main cadres of the Naxalites had been eliminated and were dead or behind bars.<ref>{{Cite book|title=K.P. Singh, "The Trajectory of the Movement," in The Naxal Challenge: Causes, Linkages and Policy Options, P.V. Ramana (New Delhi: Dorling Kindersley, Ltc., 2008), 10–11; Anup K. Pahari, "Unequal Rebellions: The Continuum of 'People's War' in Nepal and India," in The Maoist Insurgency in Nepal: Revolution in the Twenty-First Century, ed. Mahendra Lawoti and Anup K. Pahari (London: Routledge, 2010), 208–210.}}</ref> The movement fractured into more than 40 separate small groups.<ref>{{Cite book|title=P.V. Ramana, "India's Maoist Insurgency: Evolution, Current Trends, and Responses," in India's Contemporary Security Challenges, ed. Michael Kugelman (Washington, DC: Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, 2011), 29–30; Oetken, 138–141.}}</ref> As a result, instead of popular armed struggle in the countryside, individual terrorism in Calcutta became a principal method of struggle.

=== Phase 2 (1970s to late 1990s) ===
{{See also|1970 Bhojpur uprising}}
The early 1970s saw the spread of Naxalism to almost every state in India, barring Western India.<ref name=urb10>{{cite web|date=22 August 1970|title=Naxalite violence continues in Calcutta|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=P9oYG7HA76QC&dat=19700822&printsec=frontpage|access-date=10 April 2017|website=The Indian Express|page=7}}</ref> During the 1970s, the movement was fragmented into disputing factions. By 1980, it was estimated that around 30 Naxalite groups were active, with a combined membership of 30,000.<ref>Singh, Prakash. ''The Naxalite Movement in India''. [[New Delhi]]: Rupa & Co., 1999. p. 101.</ref> Though India's first wave of insurgent violence ended badly for this domestic left-wing extremist movement but did not eliminate the conditions inspiring the movement or all of those willing to hold to the Naxalite cause. This time, the insurgency was done in South India particularly in the (undivided) state of [[Andhra Pradesh Decentralisation and Inclusive Development of All Regions Act, 2020|Andhra Pradesh]].<ref>{{Cite journal|title=India's Naxalite Insurgency: History, Trajectory, and Implications for U.S.-India Security Cooperation on Domestic Counterinsurgency by Thomas F. Lynch III|url=https://ndupress.ndu.edu/Portals/68/Documents/stratperspective/inss/Strategic-Perspectives-22.pdf|journal=Institute for National Strategic Studies}}</ref>

On 22 April 1980, the [[Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) People's War]], commonly called as People's War Group (PWG) was founded by [[Kondapalli Seetharamaiah]]. He sought a more efficient structure in attacks and followed the principles of Charu Majumdar. By 1978 Naxalite peasant revolts had spread to the [[Karimnagar district|Karimnagar District]] and [[Adilabad district|Adilabad District]]. These new waves of insurgents kidnapped landlords and forced them to confess to crimes, apologize to villagers, and repay forced bribes. By the early 1980s insurgents had established a stronghold and sanctuary in the interlinked North Telangana village and Dandakaranya forests areas along the Andhra Pradesh and [[Orissa]] border.

In 1985 Naxalite insurgents began ambushing police. After they killed a police sub-inspector in Warangal, [[Indian Police Service|IPS]] officer [[K. S. Vyas]] raised a special task force called the [[Greyhounds]];<ref name=urb11>{{cite news|last=Bhattacharjee|first=Sumit|date=2017-03-22|title=Greyhounds among the best anti-insurgency forces: Experts|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/greyhounds-among-the-best-anti-insurgency-forces-experts/article17568627.ece|access-date=2021-07-30|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> an elite anti-Naxalite commando unit that still exists today to establish control in the seven worst affected districts.

The governments of Andhra Pradesh and Orissa managed to quell down the rebels with a variety of [[counterinsurgency]] measures. Including the help of the Greyhounds,  the states established special laws that enabled police to capture and detain Naxalite cadres, fighters and presumed supporters.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Conflict Resolution: Learning Lessons from Dialogue Processes in India (New Delhi: The Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, 2011) pg 10–11}}</ref> They also invited additional [[Government of India|central]] paramilitary forces. The states also set up rival mass organisations to attract youth away from the Naxalites, started rehabilitation programs (like the Surrender and Rehabilitation package<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Sahoo|first=Niranjan|date=2019-06-26|title=From Bihar to Andhra, how India fought, and won, its 50-yr war with Left-wing extremism|url=https://theprint.in/opinion/from-bihar-to-andhra-how-india-fought-and-won-its-50-yr-war-with-left-wing-extremism/254462/|access-date=2021-07-30|website=ThePrint|language=en-US}}</ref>), and established new informant networks. By 1994, nearly 9000 Naxalites surrendered.

The armed wing of the Maoists is called the [[People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (India)|People's Liberation Guerrilla Army]] was founded on 2 December 2000 and are mostly equipped with [[small arms]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-12-17/india/35868361_1_mass-contact-programmes-people-s-liberation-guerrilla-army-plga|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016084607/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-12-17/india/35868361_1_mass-contact-programmes-people-s-liberation-guerrilla-army-plga|url-status=dead | archive-date=16 October 2013|title=CPI (Maoist) marks PLGA anniversary with mass contact programmes|date=17 December 2012|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=31 August 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|work=[[Uppsala Conflict Data Program]]|title=Conflict Encyclopedia, India: government, Government of India – CPI-Maoist, Actor Information, CPI-Maoists|access-date=29 May 2013|url=http://www.ucdp.uu.se/gpdatabase/gpcountry.php?id=74&regionSelect=6-Central_and_Southern_Asia|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130203162633/http://www.ucdp.uu.se/gpdatabase/gpcountry.php?id=74&regionSelect=6-Central_and_Southern_Asia |archive-date=3 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://us.rediff.com/news/2003/oct/02spec.htm |title=Primer: Who are the Naxalites?: Rediff.com news |work=[[Rediff]] |access-date=13 July 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090504151532/http://us.rediff.com/news/2003/oct/02spec.htm |archive-date=4 May 2009}}</ref> 

In 2003 following an attack on the then [[Chief Minister of Telangana|Chief Minister]] [[Chandrababu Naidu]],<ref>{{cite news|date=2003-10-01|title=Indian politician survives attack|language=en-GB|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3155208.stm|access-date=2021-07-30}}</ref> the state embarked on a rapid modernisation of its police force while ramping up its technical and operational capabilities.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite journal|title=Naxal Insurgency in India (from pg 56)|url=https://carnegieendowment.org/files/RS.pdf|journal=[[Carnegie Endowment for International Peace]]}}</ref> By the early 2000s, Andhra Pradesh and [[Telangana]] have seen very minimal Naxal presence.

=== Phase 3 (2004–present) – relative decline after brief fightback ===

The Communist Party of India (Maoist) was founded on 21 September 2004, through the merger of the [[Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) People's War]] (People's War Group), and the [[Maoist Communist Centre of India]] (MCCI). The merger was announced on 14 October the same year. In the merger, a provisional central committee was constituted, with the erstwhile People's War Group leader [[Ganapathy (Maoist)|Muppala Lakshmana Rao]], alias "Ganapathi", as general secretary.<ref name=urb12>{{Cite web|title=Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) – Left Wing Extremism(Naxalite), India, South Asia Terrorism Portal|url=https://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/terroristoutfits/CPI_M.htm|access-date=2021-07-30|website=www.satp.org}}</ref> Further, on [[May Day]] 2014, the [[Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) Naxalbari]] merged into the CPI (Maoist).<ref>{{cite news|author=Staff Reporter|date=2014-05-01|title=CPI(ML) Naxalbari, CPI(Maoist) merge|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/cpiml-naxalbari-cpimaoist-merge/article5964758.ece|access-date=2021-07-30|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The CPI (Maoist) is active in the forest belt of [[Chhattisgarh]], [[Bihar]], [[Jharkhand]], [[Maharashtra]], [[Odisha]] and some remote regions of [[Jharkhand]] and [[Andhra Pradesh]] and [[Telangana]].

It has carried out several attacks (see [[Timeline of the Naxalite–Maoist insurgency]]) notably on 15 February 2010, several of the guerrilla commanders of CPI (Maoist), killed 24 personnel of the [[Eastern Frontier Rifles]].<ref name="ndtv">{{cite news|title=Who is Kishenji?|work=NDTV|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/who-is-kishenji-152927|access-date=13 March 2014}}</ref> On 6 April 2010, the Maoists ambushed and killed 76 paramilitary personnel.<ref>{{cite news|date=6 April 2010|title=Chhatisgarh attack 'consequence' of Green Hunt: Maoist leader|publisher=HT Media Limited|agency=Indo-Asian News Service|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/newdelhi/Chhatisgarh-attack-consequence-of-Green-Hunt-Maoist-leader/Article1-528028.aspx|url-status=dead|access-date=13 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131228155830/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Chhatisgarh-attack-consequence-of-Green-Hunt-Maoist-leader/Article1-528028.aspx|archive-date=28 December 2013|df=dmy}}</ref> On 25 May 2013, [[2013 Naxal attack in Darbha valley|the CPI (Maoist) ambushed a convoy of the Indian National Congress]] at [[Bastar district|Bastar]], and killed 27 people including [[Mahendra Karma]], [[Nand Kumar Patel]] and [[Vidya Charan Shukla]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/maoists-say-bastar-attack-was-to-punish-cong-leaders/article1-1067040.aspx|title=Maoists say Bastar attack was to punish Cong leaders – Hindustan Times|date=21 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821225608/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/maoists-say-bastar-attack-was-to-punish-cong-leaders/article1-1067040.aspx |archive-date=21 August 2014 }}</ref> On 3 April 2021, twenty-two soldiers were killed in a Maoist ambush on the border of Bijapur and Sukma districts in southern Chhattisgarh.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sood|first=Sanjiv Krishan|title=Chhattisgarh Maoist ambush shows leadership failure – both by security forces and the government|url=https://scroll.in/article/991562/chhattisgarh-maoist-ambush-shows-leadership-failure-both-by-security-forces-and-the-government|access-date=2021-07-30|website=Scroll.in|date=7 April 2021 |language=en-US}}</ref>

In September 2009, an all-out offensive was launched by the [[Government of India]]'s [[Paramilitary forces of India|paramilitary forces]] and the state's police forces against the CPI (Maoist) termed by the [[Media of India|Indian media]] as "[[Operation Green Hunt]]".<ref name="TH-101706">{{cite news|last=Sethi|first=Aman|date=6 February 2013|title=Green Hunt: the anatomy of an operation|newspaper=The Hindu|url=http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/green-hunt-the-anatomy-of-an-operation/article101706.ece|access-date=30 October 2013}}</ref> Since the start of the operation: 2,266 Maoist militants have been killed, 10,181 have been arrested and 9,714 have surrendered.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.satp.org/datasheet-terrorist-attack/surrender/india-maoistinsurgency|title = Datasheet-terrorist-attack-surrender}}</ref>

In 2020, Naxal activity began to increase once again in Telangana and other areas.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/maoists-are-making-a-comeback-in-telangana/article32298580.ece#!|title = The return of the Maoists in Telangana|newspaper = The Hindu|date = 8 August 2020|last1 = Singh|first1 = S. Harpal}}</ref>

In 2022, the West Bengal state government and police admitted that there had been a Maoist resurgence in the state, particularly in [[Jhargram district|Jhargram]], [[Purulia district|Purulia]], [[Bankura district|Bankura]], [[West Midnapur district|West Midnapur]] and [[Nadia district|Nadia]]. In May 2022, a new force was created by the [[Special Task Force (India)|Special Task Force]] of [[West Bengal Police]] named the "Maoist Suppression Branch".<ref>{{cite web | url=https://tv9bangla.com/kolkata/west-bengal-stf-launches-left-wing-extremism-section-au50-572418.html | title=Left Wing Extremism Section: মাওবাদী এখনও 'সমস্যা', মেনে নিল পুলিশ ! এসটিএফে চালু 'মাওবাদী দমন শাখা' | date=28 May 2022 }}</ref>

Also indicative of a Maoist resurgence, Naxal forces expanded into new territory in the 2020s, most notably [[Madhya Pradesh]]. In 2022, most of the [[Kanha Tiger Reserve]] in Madhya Pradesh fell under Maoist control.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/other/madhya-pradesh-maoists-find-sanctuary-in-kanha/ar-AAWJpvr | title=Madhya Pradesh: Maoists find sanctuary in Kanha | website=[[MSN]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ibc24.in/videos/exclusive-news-naxalite-movement-increased-in-kanha-national-park-50-60-naxalites-active-in-the-area-ig-920894.html | title=Exclusive News in Hindi : Kanha National Park में बढ़ा Naxalite Movement। इलाके में 50–60 नक्सली सक्रीय : IG | date=27 May 2022 }}</ref>

As of May 2024, the Maoist activity have relatively suppressed due to the increase in Anti-terror operations conducted by the security forces. The security forces also carried out many operations like the [[2024 Kanker clash]] which resulted in great loss of personnel and material for the Maoists.<ref>{{Cite news|title=12 Maoists killed in Chhattisgarh encounter, 2024 toll reaches 103|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2024/May/11/12-maoists-killed-in-chhattisgarh-encounter-2024-toll-reaches-103|access-date=2024-05-11|website=[[Indian Express]]}}</ref>

== Geography ==
{{Main|Red corridor}}
{{multiple image
| footer = Areas with Naxalite activity in 2007 (left), in 2013 (centre), and in 2018 (right)
| image1 = India Naxal affected districts map.svg
| width1 = 195
| image2 = India map Naxal Left-wing violence or activity affected districts 2013.SVG
| width2 = 200
| image3 = Naxal Left-wing violence or activity affected districts of India 2018.svg
| width3 = 195
}}
The influence zone of the Naxalites is called the [[red corridor]] consisting of about 25 most affected and 70 total affected [[Districts of India|districts]] in [[Central India|Central]] and [[East India]] in 2021.<ref name="Report">{{cite report|title= Naxal affected Districts|url=https://crpf.gov.in/writereaddata/images/pdf/815072021.pdf|work=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 July 2021}}</ref> The most affected districts accounted for 85% of the Left wing extremist incidents in India.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bhattacharjee|first=Sumit|date=26 June 2021|title=When Greyhounds struck in Andhra Pradesh's fading red zone|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/when-greyhounds-struck-in-andhra-pradeshs-fading-red-zone/article34979972.ece|access-date=19 November 2021|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=19 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119064558/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/when-greyhounds-struck-in-andhra-pradeshs-fading-red-zone/article34979972.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title= Naxal affected Districts|url=https://crpf.gov.in/writereaddata/images/pdf/815072021.pdf|work=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 July 2021}}</ref> The insurgency was its peak in the late 2000s with nearly 180 affected districts across an area of {{cvt|92000|km2}} and has been on the decline since then.<ref name="PIB">{{cite web|url=http://www.pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=50833|title=Naxal Problem needs a holistic approach|work=[[Press Information Bureau]]|access-date=8 August 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090908173208/http://www.pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=50833|archive-date=8 September 2009|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In April 2018, 35 districts were classified as most affected amongst the 126 affected districts.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/deaths-in-naxal-attacks-down-by-21-shah-at-cms-meeting/articleshow/86543018.cms|title=Deaths in Naxal attacks down by 21%|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=26 September 2021|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=26 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926222634/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/deaths-in-naxal-attacks-down-by-21-shah-at-cms-meeting/articleshow/86543018.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=17 August 2018|title=The contours of the new Red map|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/naxalism-maoist-attacks-home-minstry-modi-govt-national-policy-and-action-plan-5140028/|access-date=10 September 2018}}</ref> 

As of the early 2020s, the Naxal activity is largely concentrated in two clusters, the first in and round the forested remote hilly areas of [[Dandakaranya]] spread across Chhattisgarh and Odisha and the second in the border region of Jharkhand-Bihar-West Bengal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.achrweb.org/ncm/ncm.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060822194351/http://www.achrweb.org/ncm/ncm.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 August 2006|title=Asian Centre for Human Rights|work=Asian Centre for Human Rights|access-date=13 July 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/images/westbengal_naxal.htm|title=West Bengal: Districts Affected by Naxalite Activity|work=South Asia Terrorism Portal|access-date=13 July 2009|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090717063207/http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/images/westbengal_naxal.htm |archive-date=17 July 2009}}</ref> The affected districts include:<ref>{{cite press release|title=Naxal affected Districts|url=http://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1562724|access-date=15 August 2021|work=[[Press Information Bureau]]|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Home Ministry declares six Bihar districts Naxal-free|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/jun/30/home-ministry-declares-six-bihar-districts-naxal-free-2323474.html|access-date=15 August 2021|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=30 June 2021}}</ref>

{{Table alignment}}
{|class="wikitable sortable defaultcenter col1left col4left" style="font-size: 90%"
|+Naxal affected districts (2021)<ref name="Report"/><ref>{{cite web|title= Naxal affected Districts|url=https://crpf.gov.in/writereaddata/images/pdf/815072021.pdf|work=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 July 2021}}</ref>
|-
! [[States and union territories of India|State]]
! No. of districts in State
! No. of districts affected
! class="unsortable"|[[List of districts in India|Districts affected]]
|-
|[[Jharkhand]]
|[[List of districts of Jharkhand|24]]
|16
|[[Bokaro district|Bokaro]], [[Chatra district|Chatra]], [[Dhanbad district|Dhanbad]], [[Dumka district|Dumka]], [[East Singhbhum district|East Singhbhum]], [[Garhwa district|Garhwa]], [[Giridih district|Giridih]], [[Gumla district|Gumla]], [[Hazaribagh district|Hazaribagh]], [[Khunti district|Khunti]], [[Latehar district|Latehar]], [[Lohardaga district|Lohardaga]], [[Palamu district|Palamu]], [[Ranchi district|Ranchi]], [[Seraikela Kharsawan district|Saraikela Kharsawan]], [[West Singhbhum district|West Singhbhum]]
|-
|[[Chhattisgarh]]
|[[List of districts of Chhattisgarh|28]]
|13
|[[Balrampur district, Chhattisgarh|Balrampur]], [[Bastar district|Bastar]], [[Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh|Bijapur]], [[Dantewada district|Dantewada]], [[Dhamtari district|Dhamtari]], [[Gariaband district|Gariyaband]], [[Kanker district|Kanker]], [[Kondagaon district|Kondagaon]],  [[Mahasamund district|Mahasamund]], [[Narayanpur district|Narayanpur]], [[Rajnandgaon district|Rajnandgaon]], [[Sukma district|Sukma]], [[Kabirdham district|Kabirdham]]
|-
|[[Bihar]]
|[[List of districts of Bihar|38]]
|10
|[[Aurangabad district, Bihar|Aurangabad]], [[Banka district|Banka]], [[Gaya district|Gaya]], [[Jamui district|Jamui]], [[Kaimur district|Kaimur]], [[Lakhisarai district|Lakhisarai]], [[Munger district|Munger]], [[Nawada district|Nawada]], [[Rohtas district|Rohtas]],  [[West Champaran district|West Champaran]]
|-
|[[Odisha]]
|[[List of districts of Odisha|30]]
|10
|[[Bargarh district|Bargarh]], [[Balangir district|Bolangir]], [[Kalahandi district|Kalahandi]], [[Kandhamal district|Kandhamal]], [[Koraput district|Koraput]], [[Malkangiri district|Malkangiri]], [[Nabarangpur district|Nabrangpur]],  [[Nuapada district|Nuapada]], [[Rayagada district|Rayagada]], [[Sundergarh district|Sundargarh]]
|-
|[[Telangana]]
|[[List of districts of Telangana|33]]
|6
|[[Adilabad district|Adilabad]], [[Bhadradri Kothagudem]], [[Jayashankar Bhupalpally]], [[Komaram Bheem Asifabad district|Komaram Bheem Asifabad]], [[Mancherial district|Mancherial]], [[Mulugu district|Mulugu]]
|-
|{{nowrap|[[Andhra Pradesh]]}}
|[[List of districts of Andhra Pradesh|13]]
|5
|[[Visakhapatnam district|Visakhapatnam]], [[East Godavari]], [[Srikakulam district|Srikakulam]], [[Vizianagaram district|Vizianagaram]], [[West Godavari district|West Godavari]]
|-
|[[Kerala]]
|[[List of districts of Kerala|14]]
|3
|[[Malappuram district|Malappuram]], [[Palakkad district|Palakkad]], [[Wayanad district|Wayanad]]
|-
|{{nowrap|[[Madhya Pradesh]]}}
|[[List of districts of Madhya Pradesh|55]]
|3
|[[Balaghat district|Balaghat]], [[Mandla district|Mandla]], [[Dindori district|Dindori]]
|-
|[[Maharashtra]]
|[[List of districts of Maharashtra|36]]
|2
|[[Gadchiroli district|Gadchiroli]], [[Gondia district|Gondia]]
|-
|[[West Bengal]]
|[[List of districts of West Bengal|23]]
|1
|[[Jhargram district|Jhargram]]
|-
!Total
!369
!70
!
|}

== Causes ==
=== Access to land and resources ===
The Maoist movement began in the late 1960s as a conflict between the tribal peasants and the land owners. This was attributed to a failure of the Indian government to implement constitutional reforms to provide for tribal autonomy with respect to natural resources on their lands, implement the land ceiling laws to limit the land possessed by the landlords and distribute the excess land to landless farmers and labourers.<ref>{{cite web|author=E.N. Rammohan|date=16 July 2012|title=Unleash The Good Force|url=http://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/unleash-the-good-force/281554|access-date=26 April 2017|work=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]]}}</ref> According to Maoist sympathisers, the [[Constitution of India|Indian constitution]] "ratified colonial policy and made the state custodian of tribal homelands" and turned tribal populations into [[squatters]] on their own land, denying them their traditional rights to forest produce.<ref>{{cite web|last=Roy|first=Arundhati|date=27 March 2010|title=Gandhi, but with guns: Part One|url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2010/mar/27/arundhati-roy-india-tribal-maoists-1|access-date=26 April 2017|work=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref> Tribal communities participated in Naxalism probably as a means of push back against [[structural violence]] by the state, including the usage of land for the purposes of mineral extraction.<ref>{{cite book|title=Shifting perspectives in tribal studies : from an anthropological approach to interdisciplinarity and consilience|date=25 June 2019|others=Behera, M. C., 1959|isbn=978-9-811-38090-7|location=Singapore|oclc=1105928010}}</ref> 

=== Rural development and protection ===
Impoverished areas with no electricity, running water, or poor healthcare provided by the state probably accepted social services from Naxalite groups, and gave their support to the Naxal cause in return.<ref name="Shah">{{cite journal|last=Shah|first=Alpa|date=2013-08-01|title=The intimacy of insurgency: beyond coercion, greed or grievance in Maoist India|journal=Economy and Society|volume=42|issue=3|pages=480–506|doi=10.1080/03085147.2013.783662|issn=0308-5147|s2cid=143716444}}</ref> The state's absence allowed the Naxalites to become the legitimate authority in these areas by performing state-like functions, including enacting policies of redistribution and building infrastructure for irrigation.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Walia|first=H.S.|date=2018-04-25|title=The Naxal Quagmire in Bihar & Jharkhand – Genesis & Sustenance|journal=Learning Community|volume=9|issue=1|doi=10.30954/2231-458X.01.2018.7|doi-access=free}}</ref> Testimonies from people and surveys by government officials and journalists have highlighted the protective and developmental work in the villages as a result of Naxalism.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Roy |first=Arundhati |date=20 September 2010 |title=The Trickledown Revolution |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/the-trickledown-revolution/267040 |magazine=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]]}}</ref> Healthcare initiatives such as malaria vaccination drives and medical units in areas without doctors or hospitals have also been documented.<ref>{{cite book|last=Santanama|title=Jangalnama: Inside the Maoist Guerrilla Zone|publisher=Penguin|year=2010|isbn=9780143414452|location=New Delhi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Pandita, Rahul.|title=Hello, Bastar : the untold story of India's Maoist movement|date=2011|publisher=Tranquebar Press|isbn=978-9-380-65834-6|location=Chennai|oclc=754482226}}</ref> 

As per an Indian government report, it was indicated that the Maoists “prevent the common villager’s powerlessness over the neglect or violation of protective laws…[from] a trader who might be paying an exploitative rate for forest produce, or a contractor who is violating the minimum wage.” It also mentions that the developmental work done by the Maoists including “mobilizing community labour for farm ponds, rainwater harvesting, and land conservation works in the Dandakaranya region, which villagers testified had improved their crops and improved their food security situation.”<ref>{{cite web|last1=Dandekar |first1=Ajay |last2=Choudhury |first2=Chitrangada |date=January 2010 |title=PESA, Left-Wing Extremism and Governance: Concerns and Challenges in India's Tribal Districts |url= https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265000754}}</ref> A 2010 case study in the [[Economic and Political Weekly]] taken from 200 Maoist-affected districts in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand, intended to investigate the government's initiative to increase employment in these Maoist-affected areas. It found that the claims of the government that the Maoists blocked developmental schemes were not valid and the Maoists were responsible for the enforcement of minimum wages in the areas.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Banerjee|first1=Kaustav |author1-link=Kaustav Banerjee |last2=Saha |first2=Partha |date=10 July 2010 |title=The NREGA, the Maoists and the Developmental Woes of the Indian State |url= https://www.epw.in/journal/2010/28/perspectives/nrega-maoists-and-developmental-woes-indian-state.html |journal=Economic and Political Weekly |volume=45 |issue=28 |pages=42–47}}</ref> Although Naxalite groups engaged in coercion to increase membership, the experience of poverty when contrasted with the state's economic growth, could have created an appeal for the Naxal ideology and incentivised the tribal communities to join the Naxal movements out of "moral solidarity".<ref name="Shah"/>

== Naxal organisation and financing ==
{{see also | List of Naxalite and Maoist groups in India }}

The Naxalites focused on the idea of a revolutionary personality while recruiting people to the organisation, which was termed as necessary for maintaining and establishing loyalty among the Naxalites by Charu Majumdar. During the early years of the movement, he believed that the essential characteristics of a recruit must be selflessness and the ability to self-sacrifice, and in order to produce such a specific personality, the organisation recruited students and youth. In addition to entrenching loyalty and a revolutionary personality within these new insurgents, the Naxalites chose the youth also because of other reasons. These were mostly students and it was necessary to include educated youth as these recruits would then be involved in spreading the communist teachings of [[Mao Zedong]]. In order to expand their base, the movement relied on these students to spread the communist philosophy to the uneducated rural and working-class communities. Majumdar also believed that it necessary to recruit youth who would be able to integrate themselves with the peasantry and working classes, and by living and working in similar conditions to these lower-class communities, these recruits could carry the communist teachings to the villages and urban centres.<ref name="UCB">{{cite journal|last1=Dasgupta|first1=Rajeshwari|year=2006|title=UC Berkeley Library Proxy Login|journal=Economic and Political Weekly|volume=41|issue=19|pages=1920–1927|jstor=4418215}}</ref>

The [[Krantikari Adivasi Mahila Sangathan]] is a feminist organisation that was formed in 1986 as a result of the party's acknowledgment of extreme inequality against women, both within the party itself and among the tribal villages the party aimed to protect. They campaigned against the tribal tradition of forced marriage, [[bigamy]] and violence along with peasant rights.<ref name="Arundhati">{{cite book |last=Roy |first=Arundhati |author-link=Arundhati Roy |date=25 October 2011 |title=Walking with the Comrades}}</ref> However, Shobha Mandi, a former member who later quit the organisation, wrote in her book ''Ek Maowadi Ki Diary'' that she was repeatedly raped and assaulted by her fellow commanders for more than seven years since she wanted to quit. She also claimed that wife-swapping and adultery are the common amongst the Maoists.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/east/story/former-woman-maoist-lays-bare-the-full-of-adultery-naxal-culture-166080-2013-06-08|title=Wife-swapping, adultery, rapes.Former woman Maoist's shocking revelations on the ultras|date=8 June 2013|work=[[India Today]]|access-date=8 June 2023}}</ref> The Naxalites claim that physical violence and sexual mutilation have been directed at their members by the police and the Salwa Judum, which had forced them to join the group.<ref name="Arundhati"/>

=== Financing ===
Naxalites conduct detailed socio-economic surveys before operating in a target area and depend on diverse resources.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.economist.com/world/asia/displaystory.cfm?story_id=7799247|title=India's Naxalites: A spectre haunting India|work=[[The Economist]]|date=12 April 2006|access-date=13 July 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100523074605/http://www.economist.com/world/asia/displaystory.cfm?story_id=7799247 |archive-date=23 May 2010}}</ref> Studies have indicated correlation between the core area of insurgency and the areas with extensive natural resources.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/HH09Df01.html|title=South Asia news – Hidden civil war drains India's energy|work=[[Asia Times]]|date=9 August 2006|access-date=13 July 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604040548/http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/HH09Df01.html|archive-date=4 June 2011|url-status=unfit}}</ref> The mining industry is a major financial source, wherein they collect about 3% of the profits from each mining company that operates in the areas under Naxal control as a means to continue mining operations and for "protection" services which allows miners to work without having to worry about Naxalite attacks.<ref>{{cite report|last=Hoelscher|first=Kristian|title=Hearts and Mines: A District-Level Analysis of the Maoist Conflict in India|url=https://www.uni-heidelberg.de/md/awi/professuren/intwipol/india.pdf|access-date=1 June 2024|publisher=[[University of Heidelberg]]}}</ref> A 2006 report indicated that the Maoists extorted about {{INRconvert|14|b}} annually.<ref>{{cite report|url=http://csis.org/files/publication/SAM_140_0.pdf|title=A Modern Insurgency: India's Evolving Naxalite Problem|access-date=8 October 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100810022222/http://csis.org/files/publication/SAM_140_0.pdf|archive-date=10 August 2010}}</ref> The organisation also funds itself through the drug trade, where it cultivates [[List of psychoactive plants|psychoactive plants]] such as [[Cannabis (drug)|marijuana]] and [[opium]], which are then distributed throughout the country by middlemen who work on behalf of the Naxalites. About 40% of Naxal funding comes through the cultivation and distribution of opium.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Prakash|first1=Om|year=2015|title=Funding Pattern of Naxal Movement in India|journal=Proceedings of the Indian History Congress|volume=76|pages=900–907|jstor=44156660}}</ref> A surrendered Naxal claimed that they spent some of the money on public infrastructure while the rest is used for the sustenance of the group.<ref>{{cite news|title=Confessions of a surrendered Naxal: 'Why I joined, why I renounced'|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/confessions-of-a-surrendered-naxal-why-i-joined-why-i-renounced/articleshow/65920343.cms?from=mdr|access-date=1 June 2024|date=30 July 2021}}</ref> In 2011, the Indian police accused the [[Chinese government]] of providing sanctuary to the movement's leaders, and claimed that the [[Pakistani ISI]] was providing financial support.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-10-08/delhi/30257863_1_maoist-cadres-pla-training-camps|title=Cops nail China link with Naxals|access-date=31 December 2011|date=8 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130429202043/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-10-08/delhi/30257863_1_maoist-cadres-pla-training-camps|archive-date=29 April 2013|url-status=dead|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>

== Action taken by the state ==

=== Infrastructure and social development projects ===
{{anchor | Infra | Dev | Proj | Infrastructure | Development | Projects }}

Three main schemes, the "Special Central Assistance" (SCA) scheme, "Security Related Expenditure" (SRE) scheme, and "Special Infrastructure Scheme" (SIS) have been launched for the economic development of LWE affected areas. As of July 2021, INR 2,698 crore (US$375 million) has released for 10,000 SCA projects, of which 85% were already complete. SRE is specially aimed at the "Most affected" districts, under which ₹1,992,been crores (US$276 million) has been released since 2014. Under these scheme various projects have been approved, including 17,600&nbsp;km roads in two phases of which phase-I of 9,343&nbsp;km is already complete, 2343 out of 5000 new mobile towers are already operational and remaining will be operational by December 2022, 119 out of 234 approved new [[Eklavya Model Residential School]]s (EMRS) are already operational, remaining 1789 post offices out of total 3114 will be ready by mid-2022, 1077 ATMs and 1236 bank branches with 14,230 banking correspondents for the financial inclusion of people affected by the LWE have been operationalised.<ref name=urb13>[https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/centre-to-intensify-operations-against-naxals-choke-flow-of-funds-1857468-2021-09-26 Connectivity, schools and joint action: Home Ministry's approach to counter Left-Wing Extremism], India Today, September 26, 2021.</ref> 400 fortified police station have been established under the SIS at the cost of INR 1006 crore (US$140 million). In addition funds have been released for the schemes to hire helicopters, media plan, police-public community activities and relations, etc.<ref name=urb14>[https://www.mha.gov.in/division_of_mha/left-wing-extremism-division Left wing extremism division], MHA – GoI, accessed, 26 Sep 2021.</ref>

As of July 2021, Madhya Pradesh has formed 23,113 women self-help groups in LWE districts covering 274,000 families, loans to tribals were waved, land rights and land ownership documents to tribal were granted, and 18 industries which will provide employment to 4000 people are being established.<ref name=urb16>[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhopal/18-industries-to-come-up-in-maoist-infested-areas-madhya-pradesh-cm-in-left-wing-extremism-meet/articleshow/86532430.cms 18 industries to come up in Maoist infested areas: Madhya Pradesh CM in Left Wing Extremism meet], Times of India, Sep 26, 2021.</ref>

=== Government views on the insurgency ===

In 2006, Prime Minister [[Manmohan Singh]] called the Naxalites the "single biggest internal security challenge ever faced by our country". In June 2011, he said, "Development is the master remedy to win over people", adding that the government was "strengthening the development work in the 60 Maoist-affected districts.<ref>[http://twocircles.net/2011jun30/development_master_remedy_against_maoists_pm.html Development master remedy against Maoists: PM] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120601084036/http://twocircles.net/2011jun30/development_master_remedy_against_maoists_pm.html |date=1 June 2012 }}. TwoCircles.net (30 June 2011). Retrieved on 2014-05-21.</ref>

In 2010 the Indian government's Home Secretary, [[Gopal Krishna Pillai]], acknowledged that there are legitimate grievances regarding local people's access to forest land and produce and the distribution of benefits from mining and hydro power developments,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-03-06/india/28119932_1_maoists-indian-state-forest-land|title=timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Maoists-looking-at-armed-overthrow-of-state-by-2050/articleshow/5648742.cms|access-date=26 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106193659/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-03-06/india/28119932_1_maoists-indian-state-forest-land|archive-date=6 January 2014|url-status=dead|work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> but claims that the Naxalites' long-term goal is to establish an Indian [[communist state]]. He said the government decided to tackle the Naxalites head-on and take back much of the lost areas.

In 2011, Indian police accused the Chinese government of providing sanctuary to the movement's leaders, and accused [[Pakistani ISI]] of providing financial support.<ref name = "China Paki link">{{cite news| url = http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-10-08/delhi/30257863_1_maoist-cadres-pla-training-camps| title = Cops nail China link with Naxals| access-date = 31 December 2011| location = India| date = 8 October 2011| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130429202043/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-10-08/delhi/30257863_1_maoist-cadres-pla-training-camps| archive-date = 29 April 2013| url-status = dead| work = [[The Times of India]]| df = dmy-all}} Times of India describes new findings of China ISI links to Naxal movement.</ref>

In 2018, A senior home ministry official says the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government sought to stem insurgency by earmarking development funds for revolt-hit areas and improving policing. "One of the major initiatives of the government was clearing implementation of a Rs 25,060 crore umbrella scheme to modernise central and state police forces over the next three years," the official said.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/red-terror-new-strategy-puts-a-leash-on-maoists/story-a8eaFvV9qGeKdqPPmelFpL.html | title=Red terror: New strategy puts a leash on Maoists | date=16 April 2018 }}</ref>

=== Salwa Judum and other anti-insurgency vigilante groups ===

Since late 1990 several government backed armed anti-insurgency vigilante groups emerged,<ref name=urb3/><ref name=urb2/> which were shut down in 2011 by the order of [[Supreme Court of India]] after the complaints of human rights violations and inquiry was ordered against the violators.<ref name=urb4/>

In Chhattisgarh, [[Salwa Judum]], an anti-insurgency vigilante group which was aimed at countering the [[naxalite]] violence in the region was launched in 2005. The militia consisting of local tribal youth received support and training from the [[Chhattisgarh]] state government.<ref name=urb3>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2161246.ece|title="Salwa Judum is illegal, says SC" The Hindu July 5, 2011|author=J. Venkatesan|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=26 October 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029192532/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2161246.ece|archive-date=29 October 2013|date=5 July 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title       = Indian state 'backing vigilantes'|newspaper = BBC News|publisher = BBC|date = 15 July 2008|url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7505252.stm|access-date = 12 April 2010|url-status = live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090130063029/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7505252.stm|archive-date = 30 January 2009|df = dmy-all}}</ref> The state<ref name=ple>[http://www.indianexpress.com/news/hearing-plea-against-salwa-judum-sc-says-state-cannot-arm-civilians-to-kill/290932/ Hearing plea against Salwa Judum, SC says State cannot arm civilians to kill] ''[[Indian Express]]'', 1 April 2008.</ref><ref>[http://www.rediff.com/cms/print.jsp?docpath=//news/2008/mar/31sc.htm SC raps Chhattisgarh on Salwa Judum] ''[[Rediff.com]]'', 31 March 2008. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607032703/http://www.rediff.com/cms/print.jsp?docpath=%2F%2Fnews%2F2008%2Fmar%2F31sc.htm |date=7 June 2011 }}</ref> came under fire from pro-[[Maoist]] activist groups<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1196081&pageid=2|title=dnaIndia|work=dna|access-date=26 October 2014|date=6 October 2008}}</ref> for "atrocities and abuse against women",<ref name="The Hindu2">{{cite news|title = Report recommends withdrawal of Salwa Judum|date = 19 January 2007|url  = http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/19/stories/2007011905501300.htm|access-date  = 12 April 2010|location = Chennai, India|url-status     = dead|archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20100723150628/http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/19/stories/2007011905501300.htm|archive-date = 23 July 2010|newspaper = [[The Hindu]]|df = dmy-all}}</ref> employing child soldiers,<ref name="ACHR">{{Cite journal|title = The Adivasis of Chhattisgarh: Victims of the Naxalite Movement and Salwa Judum Campaign.|journal = Asian Centre for Human Rights|page = 42|location = New Delhi|year = 2006|url = http://www.achrweb.org/reports/india/Chattis0106.pdf|access-date = 12 April 2010|url-status = dead|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20100319202800/http://www.achrweb.org///reports/india/Chattis0106.pdf|archive-date = 19 March 2010|df = dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="alertnet.org">{{cite news|title = Caught between Rebels and Vigilantes|newspaper = Reuters Alertnet|publisher = Reuters|date = 27 August 2008|url = http://www.alertnet.org/printable.htm?URL=/db/crisisprofiles/IN_MAO.htm|access-date = 30 January 2010|url-status = live|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20090817213911/http://www.alertnet.org/printable.htm?URL=%2Fdb%2Fcrisisprofiles%2FIN_MAO.htm|archive-date = 17 August 2009|df= dmy-all}}</ref> and looting and destruction of property,<ref name="The Hindu">{{cite news|title=Salwa Judum victims assured of relief |date=16 December 2008 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/16/stories/2008121659190500.htm |access-date=12 April 2010 |location=Chennai, India |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081226062509/http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/16/stories/2008121659190500.htm |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=26 December 2008 }}</ref> allegations rejected by a fact finding commission of the [[National Human Rights Commission of India]] (NHRC) in 2008. The commission, which had been appointed by the [[Supreme Court of India]], determined that the Salwa Judum was a spontaneous reaction by tribals against Maoist atrocities perpetrated against them.<ref name=nh>[http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/PoliticsNation/Existence_of_Salwa_Judum_necessary/articleshow/3565263.cms 'Existence of Salwa Judum necessary'] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810001432/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/PoliticsNation/Existence_of_Salwa_Judum_necessary/articleshow/3565263.cms |date=10 August 2016 }} ''[[The Economic Times]]'', 6 October 2008.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1196081|title=DNAIndia|work=dna|access-date=26 October 2014|date=6 October 2008}}</ref><ref>However, in July 2011 the Supreme Court declared Salwa Judum unconstitutional. {{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2161246.ece |title=Salwa Judum is illegal, says Supreme Court |access-date=7 December 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109053804/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2161246.ece |archive-date=9 January 2016  |newspaper=The Hindu |date=5 July 2011 |last1=Venkatesan |first1=J. }}</ref>

Around that time similar paramilitary vigilante groups had emerged in Andhra Pradesh including the Fear Vikas, Green Tigers, Nalladandu, Red Tigers, Tirumala Tigers, Palnadu Tigers, Kakatiya Cobras, Narsa Cobras, Nallamalla Nallatrachu (Cobras) and Kranthi Sena. Civil liberties activists were murdered by the Nayeem gang in 1998 and 2000.<ref name=urb2>{{cite web |url=http://www.achrweb.org/ncm/vigilante.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071220135828/http://www.achrweb.org/ncm/vigilante.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 December 2007 |title=The Vigilante groups: Of the tigers and cobras |publisher=Asian Centre for Human Rights |access-date=12 April 2010}}</ref> On 24 August 2005, members of the Narsi Cobras killed an individual rights activist and schoolteacher in [[Mahbubnagar]] district.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20071220135828/http://www.achrweb.org/ncm/vigilante.htm Asian Centre for Human Rights]. Achrweb.org. Retrieved on 21 May 2014.</ref> According to the Institute of Peace and Conflict studies, Naxal groups have recruited children in different capacities and exposed them to injury and death.<ref name=n1/> However the same accusation has been levelled at the state-sponsored [[Salwa Judum]] anti-Maoist group, and Special Police officers (SPOs) assisting the government security forces.<ref name=n1>{{cite web |url=http://www.ipcs.org/article_details.php?articleNo=2738 |title=Articles #2738, Child Soldiers of the Naxal Movement |publisher=Ipcs.org |date=24 November 2008 |access-date=13 July 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110526190852/http://www.ipcs.org/article_details.php?articleNo=2738 |archive-date=26 May 2011  }}</ref>

On 5 July 2011, the Supreme Court of India declared the militia to be illegal and unconstitutional, and ordered its disbanding. The Court directed the Chhattisgarh government to recover all the firearms, ammunition and accessories. In the court's judgement, the use of Salwa Judum by the government for anti-Naxal operations was criticised for its violations of human rights and for employing poorly trained youth for counter-insurgency roles. The Supreme Court of India, also ordered the government to investigate all instances of alleged criminal activities of Salwa Judum.<ref name=urb4>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Salwa-Judum-is-illegal-says-Supreme-Court/article13639702.ece |title=Salwa Judum is illegal, says Supreme Court |access-date=12 September 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230030758/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Salwa-Judum-is-illegal-says-Supreme-Court/article13639702.ece |archive-date=30 December 2016  |newspaper=The Hindu |date=5 July 2011 |last1=Venkatesan |first1=J. }}</ref>

== Casualties ==
The Naxalites have conducted multiple attacks on the security forces, government workers and civilians, with casualties on both sides.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia/2009/07/200971214640798718.html|title=Maoist attacks kill Indian police|work=[[Al Jazeera]]|date=15 March 2007|access-date=13 July 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090713012830/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia/2009/07/200971214640798718.html|archive-date=13 July 2009}}</ref> To enforce their control over the population, the Maoists have often convened [[kangaroo court]]s to mete out summary justice, death, beatings, or exile.<ref>{{cite journal|first=Anthony|last=Loyd|year=2015|title=India's insurgency|journal=[[National Geographic]]|issue=April|pages=95|url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2015/04/india-coal-conflict-minerals-maoist-insurgency/|access-date=13 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001031238/https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2015/04/india-coal-conflict-minerals-maoist-insurgency/|archive-date=1 October 2018|url-status=dead }}</ref> As per the South Asia Terrorism portal, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of more than 11500 people including 4000 civilians, 2500 security force personneland 4500 Naxalites since the 2000s.<ref name="War">{{cite web|url=https://www.satp.org/datasheet-terrorist-attack/fatalities/india-maoistinsurgency|title=India's Maoist insurgency|work=South Asia Terrorism portal|access-date=26 October 2023|archive-date=22 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922072536/https://www.satp.org/datasheet-terrorist-attack/fatalities/india-maoistinsurgency|url-status=live}}</ref> As per the [[BBC]], more than 6,000 people were killed in the 20 years between 1990 and 2010.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8529124.stm|work=[[BBC News]]|title=India's Maoists offer ceasefire|date=22 February 2010|access-date=20 May 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100225180646/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8529124.stm|archive-date=25 February 2010|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8507525.stm|work=BBC News|title=India's Maoists 'ready for talks'|date=10 February 2010|access-date=20 May 2010|first=Subir|last=Bhaumik|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100701060459/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8507525.stm|archive-date=1 July 2010|df=dmy-all }}</ref> [[Al Jazeera Media Network|Al Jazeera]] estimated the total death toll as 10,000 between 1980 and 2011.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/programmes/aljazeeracorrespondent/2011/10/20111019124251679523.html|title=India's Silent War|access-date=26 October 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111109094055/http://english.aljazeera.net/programmes/aljazeeracorrespondent/2011/10/20111019124251679523.html|archive-date=9 November 2011}}</ref>

{{Table alignment}}
{|class="wikitable sortable defaultcenter" style="font-size: 90%"
|+Casualties by year<ref name="War"/><ref name="satp1">{{cite web|url=http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/maoist/data_sheets/fatalitiesnaxalmha.htm|title=Fatalities in Left-wing Extremism: 1999–2016|work=South Asia Terrorism Portal|access-date=26 October 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008023622/http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/maoist/data_sheets/fatalitiesnaxalmha.htm|archive-date=8 October 2017}}</ref>
!rowspan="2"|Year
!rowspan="2"|Incidents
!colspan="5"|Deaths
|-
!Civilians
!Security Forces
!Maoists
!Not Specified
!Total
|-
||1996||{{n/a}}||{{n/a}}||{{n/a}}||{{n/a}}||{{n/a}}
!156
|-
||1997||{{n/a}}||202||44||102||{{n/a}}
!348
|-
||1998||{{n/a}}||118||42||110||{{n/a}}
!270
|-
||1999||{{n/a}}||502||96||261||{{n/a}}
!859
|-
||2000||{{n/a}}||452||98||254||{{n/a}}
!804
|-
||2001||199||130||116||169||44
!459
|-
||2002||182||123||115||163||30
!431
|-
||2003||319||193||114||246||30
!583
|-
||2004||127||89||82||87||22
!280
|-
||2005||343||259||147||282||24
!712
|-
||2006||248||249||128||343||14
!734
|-
||2007||274||218||234||195||25
!672
|-
||2008||246||184||215||228||19
!646
|-
||2009||407||368||319||314||12
!1013
|-
||2010||481||630||267||265||18
!1180
|-
||2011||302||259||137||210||0
!606
|-
||2012||235||156||96||125||1
!378
|-
||2013||186||164||103||151||0
!418
|-
||2014||185||127||98||121||4
!350
|-
||2015||171||90||56||110||0
!256
|-
||2016||263||122||62||250||0
!434
|-
||2017||200||107||76||152||0
!335
|-
||2018||218||108||73||231||0
!412
|-
||2019||176||99||49||154||0
!302
|-
||2020||138||61||44||134||0
!239
|-
||2021||124||58||51||128||0
!237
|-
||2022||107||53||15||66||0
!134
|-
||2023||113||61||31||57||0
!149
|-
||2024||120||55||21||209||0
!285
|-
!Total!!5364+!!5237+!!2929+!!5117+!!243+
!13682+
|}

== See also ==
* [[Timeline of the Naxalite–Maoist insurgency]]
* [[Separatist movements of India]]
* [[Terrorism in India]]
* [[List of terrorist incidents in India|Terrorist incidents in India]]
* [[List of communist parties in India|Communist parties in India]]

{{Portal bar|India|Politics|Communism|Socialism|Organized Labour|Anarchism}}

== References ==
{{reflist|30em}}

== Further reading ==
* {{cite book |last1=Chakravarti |first1=Sudeep |title=Red Sun: Travels In Naxalite Country |date=2008 |publisher=Penguin Books India |location=New Delhi |isbn=978-0670081332 |edition=Rev.}}
* Mukherjee, Shivaji (2021). ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=h9_lzQEACAAJ Colonial Institutions and Civil War: Indirect Rule and Maoist Insurgency in India]''. Cambridge University Press.
* {{cite book |last1=Roy |first1=Arundhati |author-link=Arundhati Roy |title=Walking With The Comrades |date=2011 |publisher=Penguin Books India |location=New Delhi |isbn=978-0670085538}}
* {{cite book |last1=Shah |first1=Alpa |author-link=Alpa Shah |title=Nightmarch: Among India's Revolutionary Guerrillas |date=2019 |publisher=The University of Chicago Press |location=Chicago |isbn=978-0226590165}}
* Verghese, A. (2016). "[[doi:10.1017/S0026749X14000687|British Rule and Tribal Revolts in India: The curious case of Bastar.]]" ''Modern Asian Studies'', 50(5), 1619–1644.

==External links==
* [https://www.civilserviceindia.com/current-affairs/articles/naxal-insurgency-in-india.html Naxal insurgency in India], CivilServiceIndia.com.
* [http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/maoist/data_sheets/maoist_datasheet.html Data on Naxalite-Maoist Insurgency fatalities in India], Institute for Conflict Management (South Asia), SATP.
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20190721123041/https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/dc23/889f24141acfab521d0716bd486625fe1a60.pdfhttps://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/dc23/889f24141acfab521d0716bd486625fe1a60.pdf The political economy of the Maoist conflict in India : an empirical analysis], Joseph Gomes (2012), University of Madrid, Spain.
* [http://ias.sagepub.com/content/15/2/141.short Hearts and mines: A district-level analysis of the Maoist conflict in India], Kristian Hoelscher et al., University of Oslo, Norway, {{doi|10.1177/2233865912447022}}.
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20141029184536/http://dial2013.dauphine.fr/fileadmin/mediatheque/dial2013/documents/Papers/301_France_VandenEynde.pdf Targets of Violence: Evidence from India’s Naxalite Conflict] Oliver Vanden Eynde (2013), Paris School of Economics.
* [https://ndupress.ndu.edu/Portals/68/Documents/stratperspective/inss/Strategic-Perspectives-22.pdf India’s Naxalite Insurgency: History, Trajectory, and Implications for U.S.-India Security Cooperation on Domestic Counterinsurgency] by Thomas F. Lynch III – Institute for National Strategic Studies.

{{Naxalite-Maoist insurgency}}
{{India separatist movements}}
{{Ongoing military conflicts}}
{{Post-Cold War Asian conflicts}}

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