The Maoist network in Bastar seems to be going through its last stages with the security forces saying that there are few active cadres. Nevertheless, there is still a small group of hardcore Maoists who are still underground, unwilling to give up and becoming a continued challenge to governments.
The recent turn of events, such as the surrender of the Maoist commander Paparao in Jagdalpur and the PLGA in-charge Sodhi Kesa in Telangana has been a huge blow to the insurgent network. These defeats have helped to bring a steep decline in the Maoism influence in Bastar. This notwithstanding, some dedicated cadres are still clandestinely working and doing so.
Bastar Inspector General Sundararaj P has sent a very strong word, saying that there are only a couple of Maoists who are active in Bijapur, Sukma, Narayanpur and Kanker. He underlined that it is their last chance to go back to the mainstream and give up. Otherwise, the security activities will only be stepped up.
In agreement with the same sentiment, the Telangana DGP Shivdhar Reddy disclosed that the Telangana-origin Maoists were reduced to a meager five today as compared to 125 in 2024. Some of the leaders who are still underground include Ganapati and a female cadres, Roopi, who is still active in the border areas.
The development suggests that although the Maoist influence in Bastar has to a large extent been eroded, the remaining rebels are at a juncture where they will be forced to either give up to the government or face a more aggressive counter-insurgency action which will spell their downfall.