The killing of CPI (Maoist) general secretary Namballa Keshav Rao (alias Basavaraju) marks a critical moment in India’s counter-insurgency efforts. While a security win, the episode also raises questions about peace and justice.
Major Security Milestone
- Leadership Elimination: Basavaraju, head of the CPI (Maoist) and ex-chief of the Central Military Commission, was killed in Chhattisgarh on May 21, 2025.
- Strategic Blow: Considered the biggest setback since 2010, when Cherukuri Rajkumar (party spokesperson) was killed.
- Doctrinal Impact: Basavaraju was a key strategist and advocate of the militant “people’s war” doctrine.
Impact on Maoist Movement
- Failure of Militancy: His death underscores the collapse of a militarist strategy, with leadership resisting political dialogue.
- Government Target: The Home Minister aims for complete Maoist elimination by 2026, making this a milestone success.
- Cadre Surrenders: Rising surrenders among Maoist cadres reflect internal dissent and a loss of ideological direction.
Peace vs. Annihilation Debate
- Ethical Concerns: Despite signs of peace overtures, questions persist — could arrests have been made instead of killings?
- Operational Justification: Officials claim continued violence by top leaders makes such operations “inevitable.”
Dwindling Support and Tribal Sentiment
- Declining Influence: Maoists report reduced recruitment and tribal support, especially in South Chhattisgarh.
- Tribal Disillusionment: Tribal youth are increasingly disillusioned by violence and decades of suffering.
- State Intervention: Expanded welfare schemes, political engagement, and development initiatives have weakened Maoist grip.
State’s Responsibility and Future Path
- Civilian Impact: Despite security gains, tribal casualties during operations risk alienating communities.
- Policy Direction: The government must now focus on peace talks and demobilisation, not just military action.
- Risk of Backlash: A persistent “annihilation” approach could spark new resentment and reignite insurgency.
Conclusion
With the death of top Maoist leaders and weakening insurgent structures, India stands at a pivotal juncture. However, only a combination of security action and inclusive dialogue can ensure lasting peace in tribal regions.
PWONLYIAS Extra Edge:
- Naxalism: A form of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), is inspired by Maoist ideology and aims to overthrow the state through armed rebellion, involving violence and guerrilla warfare.
- Origin: The term “Naxalism” is derived from Naxalbari village in West Bengal, where a peasant uprising against exploitative landlords occurred in 1967.
- Geographic Spread: The movement is active in the “Red Corridor”, covering parts of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Bihar.
- Ideology: Based on Maoist principles, Naxalites support armed insurrection and the creation of parallel governance structures to seize state power.
- Government Strategy – SAMADHAN: A multi-pronged approach including:
- Smart leadership
- Aggressive strategy
- Motivation and training
- Actionable intelligence
- Dashboard-based Key Result Areas
- Harnessing technology
- Agency coordination
- No access to financing
- Major Operation – Black Forest: Operation Black Forest was the longest continuous anti-Naxal campaign, conducted jointly by the CRPF and Chhattisgarh Police over a span of 21 days.
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24 May 2025
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