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Maoist Violence Plummets 89%: How India's Strategy Is Winning the Battle

The Indian government reports a massive decline in Maoist-linked violence over the past 15 years. Minister Nityanand Rai credited the success to the 2015 National Policy and a focus on development in remote areas. A key part of the strategy includes lucrative surrender and rehabilitation packages for former insurgents. This combined approach has significantly improved security and opened doors for economic investment in previously troubled regions.

Key Points: Maoist Violence Down 89% in 15 Years Says MoS Nityanand Rai

  • Violence incidents dropped from 1,936 in 2010 to just 222 in 2025, an 89% reduction
  • Civilian and security force deaths fell by 91%, from 1,005 to 95 in the same period
  • Affected districts drastically reduced from 126 to only 11, with just 3 now 'most affected'
  • Government credits a dual strategy of security and development in tribal areas for the success
2 min read

Incidents of Maoist violence down by 89 pc in 15 years: MoS Nityanand Rai

MoS Nityanand Rai reports an 89% drop in Maoist violence since 2010, with deaths down 91%. Government credits security and development policies.

"The incidents of violence linked to Left Wing Extremism (LWE) have come down from a high of 1,936 in 2010 by 89 per cent to 222 in 2025. - Minister of State Nityanand Rai"

New Delhi, Dec 16

The incidents of violence linked to Left Wing Extremism (LWE) have come down from a high of 1, 936 in 2010 by 89 per cent to 222 in 2025, the Parliament was informed on Tuesday.

Highlighting the effective implementation of the 2015 “National Policy and Action Plan to address LWE”, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, in a written reply in Lok Sabha, said that with a drop in violence, the resultant deaths of civilians and security personnel have also come down from a high of 1,005 in 2010 by 91 per cent to 95 in 2025.

The number of LWE-affected districts reduced from 126 to 90 in April 2018, 70 in July 2021, 38 in April 2024, 18 in April -2025 and only 11 in October 2025, with only 3 districts now categorised as Most LWE Affected, the MoS said.

He said the government’s focus on development in tribal and remote areas has addressed the root cause of Maoism.

Improved law and order and security situation, accompanied by investment in infrastructure, has created an enabling environment for enhanced economic development, including an increase in public/private investment, he said.

The MoS said that to encourage Maoists to join the mainstream, the Central and State governments have formulated comprehensive surrender-cum-rehabilitation policies.

The Centre also supports the States in the endeavour through ‘Surrender- cum-Rehabilitation’ Policy as part of Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme.

The GoI reimburses the expenditure incurred by the LWE-affected States on the rehabilitation of those who surrender under the SRE Scheme.

The rehabilitation package includes an immediate grant of Rs 5 lakhs for higher-ranked LWE cadres and Rs 2.5 lakh for other LWE cadres, said Rai.

In addition, incentives for the surrender of weapons/ammunition are also provided under the Scheme. In addition, provision also exists for imparting training in the trade/vocation of their liking with a monthly stipend of Rs 10,000 for three years.

The affected States have further revised their Surrender cum Rehabilitation policies to make them lucrative and contemporary.

On the development front, apart from the flagship schemes of the Government of India (GoI), several LWE-affected areas-specific initiatives have been taken with special thrust on expansion of road network, improving telecommunication connectivity, education, skill development and financial inclusion, said the MoS.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While the drop in numbers is impressive, I hope the rehabilitation packages are effectively implemented on the ground. Rs 5 lakh and skill training sounds good on paper, but ensuring these former cadres are truly integrated into society is the real challenge.
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Arjun K
Salute to our security forces! The sacrifice of our jawans has made this peace possible. Reducing affected districts from 126 to just 11 is no small feat. Hope the development work continues so the next generation has better opportunities than taking up arms.
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Priya S
This is the right approach. You cannot solve a problem like Naxalism with bullets alone. By building roads and schools, you give people a stake in peace. The surrender policy with a monthly stipend is a smart way to bring people back to the mainstream.
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Vikram M
Good data, but we must remain vigilant. The problem has shrunk geographically, but the ideology might still find roots if development is slow or corrupt. The government must ensure the funds for roads and telecom actually reach the intended villages.
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Kavya N
From over 1000 deaths to under 100... that's hundreds of families spared unimaginable grief. 🙏 The focus should now be on the 3 'Most Affected' districts. Pour all resources there to finish the job completely.

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