Odisha's Anti-Maoist Success: Senior Leader Among Four Killed
Four Maoists, including a senior leader, killed in Odisha operation, signaling a blow to Left-Wing Extremism.
Photo by Duc Van
In a significant development for internal security, four Maoists, including a senior leader, were killed in an anti-Maoist operation in Odisha's Kandhamal district. This successful operation, based on intelligence inputs, highlights the ongoing efforts by security forces to combat Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in affected regions. The elimination of a senior leader is particularly impactful, as it disrupts the organizational structure and command chain of the insurgent group.
Such operations are crucial in maintaining law and order, protecting local populations, and facilitating development in areas historically plagued by LWE. This incident underscores the persistent threat of Maoist insurgency and the continuous need for robust counter-insurgency strategies.
Key Facts
Four Maoists, including a senior leader, were killed in an anti-Maoist operation.
The operation took place in Kandhamal district, Odisha.
It was based on intelligence inputs.
UPSC Exam Angles
Government strategies and policies to combat LWE (e.g., SAMADHAN doctrine, Security Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme, surrender policies).
Role of central and state security forces (CAPFs, state police) in internal security and counter-insurgency operations.
Socio-economic factors contributing to LWE (poverty, inequality, lack of development) and their redressal through various government schemes.
Constitutional provisions related to tribal areas (Fifth Schedule, PESA Act) and their relevance in addressing grievances in LWE-affected regions.
Challenges in counter-insurgency operations, including terrain, intelligence gathering, inter-state coordination, and human rights concerns.
Visual Insights
Odisha's Anti-Maoist Success: Kandhamal in LWE Context
This map highlights Kandhamal district in Odisha, the site of the recent anti-Maoist operation. It also shows the 'Red Corridor' – the contiguous region across several states historically affected by Left-Wing Extremism (LWE). The successful operation in Kandhamal underscores the persistent efforts to curb LWE in these regions.
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India's LWE Decline: Key Statistics (December 2025)
This dashboard presents the latest statistics on the significant decline of Left-Wing Extremism in India, reflecting the success of robust counter-insurgency operations and development initiatives.
- Reduction in LWE Violence
- 77%Since 2010
- Reduction in Geographical Spread
- 90%Since 2010
- LWE-Affected Districts (approx.)
- ~30-35From ~90 in 2010
- Surrender Rates
- IncreasedSteady rise
Indicates a drastic decrease in LWE-related incidents (deaths, attacks) across the country, showcasing the effectiveness of security forces.
Reflects the shrinking 'Red Corridor' and the removal of many districts from the list of LWE-affected areas, limiting Maoist influence.
While significantly reduced, a few pockets of influence persist, requiring continued vigilance and targeted operations.
Attractive surrender and rehabilitation policies have encouraged many Maoist cadres to lay down arms and rejoin the mainstream.
More Information
Background
Latest Developments
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding India's strategy to counter Left Wing Extremism (LWE): 1. The 'SAMADHAN' doctrine primarily focuses on a military-centric approach, emphasizing only security operations. 2. The Security Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme provides financial assistance to LWE-affected states for capacity building of their security forces. 3. The 'Greyhounds' special force, known for its anti-Maoist operations, is a central armed police force deployed across multiple LWE-affected states. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is incorrect. SAMADHAN is an acronym for a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy (Smart leadership, Aggressive strategy, Motivation and training, Actionable intelligence, Dashboard-based KPIs and KRs, Harnessing technology, Action plan for each theatre, and No access to financing). It is not solely military-centric but includes development and governance aspects. Statement 2 is correct. The SRE scheme reimburses security-related expenditure to LWE-affected states, including for capacity building, training, and infrastructure. Statement 3 is incorrect. Greyhounds is an elite anti-Maoist force primarily of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana police, not a central armed police force deployed across multiple states. While highly effective, it's state-specific.
2. With reference to Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India, consider the following statements: 1. The Naxalbari uprising, which marked the beginning of the Naxalite movement, occurred in the state of West Bengal. 2. The 'Red Corridor' refers to the region in eastern, central, and southern India that experiences significant Naxalite-Maoist insurgency. 3. Odisha's Kandhamal district, recently in news for anti-Maoist operations, falls within the geographical area generally considered part of the 'Red Corridor'. 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. The Naxalbari uprising took place in 1967 in Naxalbari village, Darjeeling district, West Bengal, marking the genesis of the Naxalite movement. Statement 2 is correct. The 'Red Corridor' is a widely used term to describe the region in India that is affected by LWE, spanning several states across eastern, central, and southern parts. Statement 3 is correct. Kandhamal district in Odisha is indeed one of the districts historically and currently affected by LWE and is considered part of the Red Corridor, making the recent anti-Maoist operation contextually relevant.
3. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the governance and administration of areas affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India?
- A.The Fifth Schedule of the Constitution provides for the administration and control of Scheduled Areas, many of which are LWE-affected.
- B.The Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), 1996, aims to empower tribal communities by granting them greater control over their natural resources.
- C.Law and order is primarily a State subject, requiring state police forces to be the first responders in anti-Maoist operations.
- D.The Union Government can unilaterally deploy Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) for anti-Maoist operations in any state without the state government's consent.
Show Answer
Answer: D
Statement A is correct. The Fifth Schedule applies to Scheduled Areas in several states, including many LWE-affected ones, providing for special governance mechanisms. Statement B is correct. PESA Act was enacted to extend the provisions of Part IX of the Constitution relating to Panchayats to the Scheduled Areas, empowering Gram Sabhas, especially regarding natural resources and local governance. Statement C is correct. 'Public Order' and 'Police' are State subjects under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, making state police the primary agency responsible for law and order. Statement D is incorrect. While the Union Government can deploy CAPFs, their deployment for law and order duties (including anti-Maoist operations) in a state generally requires the consent of the state government, as law and order is a state subject. This reflects the federal structure of India.