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19 Dec 2025·Source: The Indian Express
2 min
Polity & GovernanceNEWS

Maoist Killings in Sukma Intensify as Shah's LWE Deadline Approaches

Three Maoists killed in Sukma as Home Minister Shah's deadline for Left-Wing Extremism elimination nears.

Maoist Killings in Sukma Intensify as Shah's LWE Deadline Approaches

Photo by Duc Van

Three Maoists have been killed in Sukma district, Chhattisgarh, over the past two years, indicating intensified security operations in the region. This comes as Home Minister Amit Shah's deadline for the complete elimination of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) across the country approaches.

Sukma remains one of the most affected districts by LWE, and these operations highlight the persistent challenges faced by security forces in combating Maoist insurgency. The government's strategy involves a multi-pronged approach combining robust security measures with development initiatives to address the root causes of extremism and bring peace to affected areas.

Key Facts

1.

3 Maoists killed in Sukma district, Chhattisgarh, in two years

2.

Home Minister Amit Shah set a deadline for LWE elimination

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

Internal Security challenges (GS-3)

2.

Government policies and interventions for development in LWE-affected regions (GS-2, GS-3)

3.

Role of state and central forces in maintaining law and order (GS-2, GS-3)

4.

Socio-economic factors contributing to extremism (GS-1, GS-2)

5.

Geographical spread and impact of LWE (GS-1, GS-3)

Visual Insights

LWE Hotspots & Sukma in the Red Corridor (December 2025)

This map highlights Sukma district, a critical LWE hotspot in Chhattisgarh, within the broader 'Red Corridor' region. It shows the geographical concentration of Maoist activity despite overall decline, emphasizing the challenge in core areas as the LWE elimination deadline approaches.

Loading interactive map...

📍Sukma, Chhattisgarh📍Bijapur, Chhattisgarh📍Dantewada, Chhattisgarh

LWE Status in India: Key Metrics (December 2025)

This dashboard provides a snapshot of the current LWE situation in India, highlighting the significant decline in affected districts and incidents, while also noting the specific context of intensified operations in Sukma as the Home Minister's deadline approaches.

LWE Affected Districts
45↓ 50%

Reduced from 90 districts in 2010 to 45 in 2023 (as per MHA data). This indicates a significant shrinking of geographical footprint.

LWE Incidents (Annual Avg)
~320↓ 85%

Estimated average annual incidents for 2024-2025, down from over 2000 in 2009. Reflects effective security and development strategies.

Security Forces Casualties (Annual Avg)
~25↓ 90%

Estimated average annual casualties for 2024-2025, significantly reduced from ~300 in 2009. Indicates improved operational effectiveness and intelligence.

Maoists Killed (Sukma, last 2 years)
3N/A

Specific to the news, indicating intensified security operations in core LWE areas like Sukma, Chhattisgarh, as the LWE elimination deadline approaches.

More Information

Background

Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), often referred to as Naxalism or Maoism, originated in Naxalbari, West Bengal, in 1967. It is rooted in socio-economic grievances such as land alienation, displacement, forest rights issues, and lack of development.

Over decades, it spread across several states, forming the 'Red Corridor,' posing a significant internal security challenge to India. The government's approach has evolved from a purely law and order problem to a multi-pronged strategy addressing both security and developmental aspects.

Latest Developments

The news highlights intensified security operations in Sukma, Chhattisgarh, one of the most LWE-affected districts, resulting in Maoist killings. This comes as Home Minister Amit Shah's deadline for LWE elimination approaches, underscoring the government's commitment. The strategy involves robust security measures combined with development initiatives to tackle the root causes and bring peace to affected areas.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in India: 1. The 'SAMADHAN' doctrine, adopted by the Government of India, is a comprehensive strategy to combat LWE, focusing on both security and development aspects. 2. Sukma district, mentioned in the news, is part of the 'Red Corridor' and is located in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. 3. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) is primarily used to address LWE-related activities, providing legal framework for counter-terrorism operations. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: D

Statement 1 is correct. SAMADHAN stands for S-Smart leadership, A-Aggressive strategy, M-Motivation and training, A-Actionable intelligence, D-Dashboard-based KPIs and KRs, H-Harnessing technology, A-Action plan for each theatre, N-No access to financing. It is indeed a comprehensive strategy. Statement 2 is correct. Sukma is a key district in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, which is a core area of the Red Corridor. Statement 3 is correct. UAPA is a primary legal tool used by the government to deal with terrorist and unlawful activities, including those perpetrated by LWE groups, by providing powers for detention, investigation, and prosecution.

2. In the context of the government's multi-pronged strategy to combat Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India, which of the following initiatives primarily focuses on addressing socio-economic disparities and improving governance in affected regions?

  • A.Operation Green Hunt
  • B.Aspirational Districts Programme
  • C.Greyhounds Force
  • D.Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)
Show Answer

Answer: B

The Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) aims to transform districts that have shown relatively lesser progress in key social areas. Many LWE-affected districts are included in this programme, with a focus on health, nutrition, education, agriculture, water resources, financial inclusion, and skill development, thereby addressing socio-economic disparities and governance deficits. Operation Green Hunt was a major anti-Naxal offensive. Greyhounds is a specialized anti-Naxal force. UAPA is a legal framework for counter-terrorism. Thus, B is the most appropriate answer.

3. Assertion (A): Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in India is often described as a socio-economic problem with a law and order manifestation. Reason (R): The movement primarily draws support from marginalized communities facing issues like land alienation, displacement, lack of basic services, and exploitation. In the context of the above two statements, which one of the following is correct?

  • A.Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
  • B.Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
  • C.A is true but R is false.
  • D.A is false but R is true.
Show Answer

Answer: A

Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. LWE is widely recognized as having deep socio-economic roots. The Naxalite movement gained traction by exploiting grievances of tribal communities, landless labourers, and marginalized sections who felt neglected by the state and suffered from issues like land alienation, displacement due to development projects, lack of access to justice, and poor basic services. While it manifests as a law and order challenge, its underlying causes are socio-economic, which is precisely what Reason (R) describes.

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