BASTAR 31 March 2026 (The Capital Post) – India has declared victory over the Maoist insurgency that has troubled parts of the country for nearly six decades, marking a major milestone in the government’s long-running campaign against left-wing extremism.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah informed parliament that the country is now effectively free of the rebels, commonly known as Naxalites, following intensified security operations and sustained counter-insurgency efforts over recent years.
The Maoist rebellion, which began in the late 1960s, once spread across a wide belt of rural and forested regions in central and eastern India. At its peak in the mid-2000s, the movement was estimated to have between 15,000 and 20,000 fighters and exerted influence across large parts of the country.
In the past two years, authorities significantly intensified operations against remaining rebel strongholds. Thousands of insurgents surrendered or were arrested, while key leaders were killed or captured, weakening the organisational structure of the movement and shrinking its operational reach.
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Security officials said the government combined military action with development programmes aimed at improving infrastructure and public services in previously isolated regions that had long served as Maoist strongholds. These initiatives were intended to restore state presence and address long-standing socio-economic issues in affected communities.
Despite the declaration of victory, officials acknowledged that isolated elements of the insurgency may still remain in remote areas. Authorities stressed that security vigilance and development efforts will continue to ensure stability in former conflict zones and prevent any resurgence of militant activity.
The government’s announcement signals the conclusion of one of the longest-running internal security challenges in the country’s history, although experts note that addressing underlying social and economic grievances will remain important for maintaining lasting peace.-The Capital Post
