Government Claims Success in Eradicating Maoism from Bastar Region

The Hindu - News · 31 Mar 2026 · 2 min read
Prelims · Polity Mains · GS3 Security High relevance

Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated in Parliament that Maoism has been nearly eradicated from Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, attributing this success to coordinated efforts by CAPF, state police, and local tribal support, while opposition MPs raised concerns about human rights violations and underlying socio-economic issues.

Key points

Amit Shah credited the near-eradication of Maoism in Bastar to coordinated operations by CAPF (especially CoBRA and CRPF), Chhattisgarh Police, and local tribal support, highlighting development initiatives like schools and ration shops.

Mahua Moitra countered the government's claims, citing a 78% rise in encounters and 1000% spike in deaths in Bastar, questioning why heavy troop presence continues if normalcy has returned.

Chandrashekhar Azad raised concerns about discrimination against Dalits and Adivasis, opposing killings in the name of anti-Maoist operations and highlighting systemic neglect of tribal rights.

SP MP Dharmendra Yadav emphasized addressing root causes of Maoism like poverty, joblessness, and inequality, citing Uttar Pradesh's success in eliminating Maoism through socio-economic interventions.

CPI(M) criticized Amit Shah's remarks, accusing the government of undermining constitutional values while claiming to eradicate Maoism.

[GS2-Governance] The debate reflects broader challenges in balancing security operations with inclusive development in Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected regions, a recurring theme in governance questions.

[GS3-Security] The role of CAPF in internal security operations highlights institutional frameworks for counter-insurgency, relevant to security paper discussions.

Way Forward: Strengthen grassroots governance through Panchayati Raj institutions in tribal areas, accelerate socio-economic development with focus on education and livelihood opportunities, and ensure transparent investigation of encounter deaths to uphold human rights.

Key terms

Bastar region

Bastar division in Chhattisgarh has been the epicenter of Maoist insurgency in India, characterized by dense forests, tribal populations, and historical neglect. Its strategic importance lies in being a test case for India's security-development paradigm, relevant for GS3 security and GS2 tribal welfare questions.

CAPF

Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) comprise paramilitary forces like CRPF, BSF, ITBP, CISF, and SSB under the Ministry of Home Affairs. They play a critical role in internal security, counter-insurgency, and border protection. For UPSC, understanding their constitutional position (Article 355), operational challenges, and relationship with state police is crucial for GS3 security and GS2 governance topics.

Left Wing Extremism (LWE)

Left Wing Extremism refers to Maoist-inspired insurgency that seeks to overthrow the state through armed struggle. In India, it primarily affects tribal regions across the 'Red Corridor'. For UPSC, LWE is significant for GS3 internal security challenges and GS2 governance issues related to tribal development and federalism.

CoBRA

Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) is a specialized unit of CRPF trained in jungle warfare and counter-insurgency operations, particularly effective in LWE-affected areas. Its operational strategies and success in Bastar region make it relevant for GS3 security discussions.