Maoists Admit to Losing 357 Members in Clashes with Security Forces: Bastar IG

Quick Summary

• The banned CPI (Maoist) acknowledged the loss of 357 members in encounters across India within the past year,according to a letter released by its central committee.
• Bastar Range Inspector General P. Sundarraj stated this reflects “severe setbacks” for the Maoists, especially in core conflict zones.
• The casualties include 4 Central Committee members and 15 State Committee-level leaders, indicating significant impacts on senior leadership and operational capacity.
• Union Home Minister Amit Shah has set March 31, 2026, as a deadline for eradicating Maoism from India.
• Recent security operations in Chhattisgarh resulted in key successes like neutralizing Maoist general secretary Nambala Keshav Rao (alias Basavaraju) on may 21. Operations are continuing through the monsoon season this year-a break from earlier practices.
• In Dandakaranya region (covering Bastar Range and Gadchiroli), security forces neutralized 281 Maoists over one year; out of total deceased cadres nationwide (357), 136 were women.
• Security efforts adopt a “pro-people and growth-centric” approach alongside intelligence-based operations to foster lasting peace.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The admission by CPI (Maoist) about losing hundreds of cadres marks a significant moment indicative of their declining ability to sustain prolonged insurgency operations.The documented losses-especially among senior leadership-could weaken organizational structure, strategic decision-making capability, and morale further.

Union Home Minister Amit shah’s declared timeline for eliminating Maoism imposes urgency upon security forces’ efforts while spotlighting recent successes like high-profile neutralizations. Proactive moves such as maintaining anti-Naxal operations during monsoons underscore evolving tactical approaches aimed at consistent pressure on insurgents regardless of seasonal limitations.

The emphasis on development-centric strategies presents an possibility to address underlying socio-economic vulnerabilities that historically fuel extremism in regions impacted by Left-Wing Extremism. Sustained focus on creating conducive conditions for peace may play an essential role in complementing military achievements wiht long-term stability goals.

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