Maoist Insurgency in the Maredumilli Forest Region

The Maredumilli forest in Andhra Pradesh, known for its scenic beauty in the Eastern Ghats, harbors a grave internal security threat due to Maoist activities.

Recent Developments

• The death of Madvi Hidma, a prominent Maoist commander, marks a significant success for security forces.
• This operation aligns with the Centre's goal to eradicate Maoist threats by March 31, 2026.
• There has been a recent increase in Maoist surrenders and fatalities.

Security Measures

• Security operations now involve advanced technologies and highly-trained personnel.
• The government plans to establish the rule of law and rapidly develop deprived areas using the Special Central Assistance scheme.

Historical Context

In the early 2000s, the People’s War Group (PWG), a dominant Maoist force, presented significant challenges to security forces.

• The PWG was deeply rooted in Mao’s insurgency theories and aimed to establish a "people’s government".
• The PWG and other groups occupied remote, underdeveloped tribal areas across several states.
• State government initiatives sometimes inadvertently strengthened Maoist positions.

Government and Security Response

• In June 2009, the Centre banned CPI (Maoist) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
• By 2013, Maoist activities extended to 126 districts, with significant attacks on security forces.
• The government focused on equipping security forces, extending welfare schemes, and developing infrastructure to counter Maoists.
• By 2024, affected districts reduced to 38, and further to 11, demonstrating progress.

Challenges and Strategies

• State police forces often lacked adequate resources and infrastructure.
• Policemen viewed postings in Maoist areas as punitive due to poor conditions.
• Local intelligence and police station expansion were identified as crucial yet underdeveloped areas.

The narrative highlights the evolution of Maoist influence in India, the challenges faced by the government, and the strategies implemented to combat this grave internal security threat.