India’s decades-long struggle against Left Wing Extremism is moving closer to a definitive turning point, with new government data showing record declines in violence and unprecedented numbers of Maoist cadres laying down arms. According to a report presented in Parliament, the number of Maoist-affected districts has fallen dramatically from 126 in 2014 to just 11 in 2025, with only three still categorized as “most affected.” Another 27 remain under monitoring as “Legacy and Thrust Districts.”
The numbers reflect a major shift on the ground. Incidents linked to Maoist activity have dropped 89 percent since their peak in 2010, while deaths have fallen 91 percent. Civilian fatalities have declined from 222 in 2014 to 61 in 2025, and security force deaths have decreased from 88 to 32 over the same period. For the first time, the Centre says it is confident that India could achieve a Maoist-free status by March 31, 2026.
This year alone has seen a wave of high-profile surrenders. Eleven CPI (Maoist) commanders and cadres with a collective bounty of Rs 82 lakh surrendered in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district on Wednesday in the presence of state police chief Rashmi Shukla. In 2025, 2,167 cadres surrendered — more than double the number of arrests. Between 2023 and 2025, surrenders (3,424) exceeded arrests (2,956), signaling weakening morale, shrinking funds and declining recruitment within Maoist ranks.
Officials attribute the turnaround to the National Policy and Action Plan launched in 2015, which combined security operations, development efforts and rehabilitation measures. More than 650 fortified police stations and nearly 400 new security camps have strengthened the ground presence, while targeted financial crackdowns have disrupted Maoist funding networks. Infrastructure development has also expanded into historically isolated regions with nearly 15,000 kilometres of roads, 9,050 telecom towers, new schools, skill centres, banks and post offices improving local connectivity and economic opportunities.
The rehabilitation package has offered incentives for cadres to leave the movement, including cash grants of up to Rs 5 lakh, monthly stipends for three years and vocational training to support reintegration.
With violence at historic lows and governance expanding into former strongholds, officials say India is closer than ever to ending one of its longest-running internal security challenges.
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