Declining Large-Scale Attacks:
- Significant reduction in large-scale attacks, like the 2010 Dantewada attack (74 CRPF killed).
- Recent deadly attack in Bijapur (8 killed) marks a notable exception, with casualties exceeding those in the first week of 2024.
Relevance : GS 3(Internal Security )
Maoist Casualties:
- 296 Maoists killed in 2024, the third–highest number since 2000.
- 24 security personnel died in Maoist-related incidents in 2024, the second-lowest number since 2000.
Concentration in Bastar:
- The Bastar region remains the epicenter of Maoist activity in Chhattisgarh.
- Nearly 30% of left-wing extremism-related deaths between 2020-2025 occurred in Bijapur; additional fatalities concentrated in nearby districts (Narayanpur, Sukma, Dantewada).
Geographical Contraction of Maoist Influence:
- Maoist influence sharply reduced due to tribal communities distancing from insurgents.
- Decline reflected in the 2023 Chhattisgarh elections, with a significant drop in NOTA votes.
State-Specific Trends:
- In 2024, nearly 80% of left-wing extremism-related deaths occurred in Chhattisgarh.
- Other states (Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Odisha, West Bengal) saw a significant decline in Maoist activity and related fatalities.
Implications:
- Despite declining large-scale attacks, Maoists retain capacity for high-casualty incidents, especially in Bastar.
- Continued security efforts and addressing socio-political grievances are key to preventing further escalation.
