Maoism

Maoist extremism in India, also known as Left Wing Extremism (LWE), is an ongoing internal security challenge with roots in socio-economic inequality and the Naxalbari uprising of 1967. The main outfit, the CPI (Maoist) Party, aims to overthrow the government through armed insurgency and operates in parts of the "Red Corridor". However, its influence has been decreasing significantly in recent years. The government is combating this through a multi-pronged approach that includes security operations, development initiatives in affected areas, and focusing on areas with security vacuums.

Origins and ideology
Roots: The movement began with the 1967 Naxalbari uprising in West Bengal and is rooted in the Maoist political ideology derived from Mao Zedong.
Merger: The major outfit, the CPI (Maoist) Party, was formed in 2004 from the merger of the People's War (PW) and the Maoist Communist Centre of India (MCCI).
Goal: The group's goal is to capture state power through armed rebellion and has historically targeted security forces, public infrastructure, and democratic institutions. 
Impact and areas of influence
Affected areas: The movement has historically affected remote, underdeveloped, and tribal regions, often referred to as the "Red Corridor," including states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha.
Decline in influence: The number of affected districts has significantly decreased. In 2013, 126 districts were affected, but by March 2025, this number had dropped to 18, with only three considered "most-affected".
Target: The violence has disproportionately affected the poor and marginalised, including tribal communities, who are sometimes forced to bear the brunt of the conflict. 
Government response
Multi-pronged approach: The government has adopted a strategy that combines security operations with socio-economic development programs.
Security operations: This includes intelligence-based operations, targeting top leaders, and addressing security vacuums in affected areas.
Development initiatives: Efforts are underway to develop infrastructure, improve financial inclusion, and enhance education and skill development in LWE-affected regions.