From 18,000sq km, Maoist-affected area down to 8,500sq km in 10 years

Left-wing extremism influence in India has shrunk significantly, from 18,000 sq km to 8,500 sq km in a decade. A three-pronged strategy of intensified security operations, inter-agency coordination, and focused development has led to the neutralization of 287 Naxalites and the arrest of 992 in 2024. Forward operating bases are facilitating development in reclaimed areas.

Bharti Jain is senior editor with The Times of India, New Delhi. She has been writing on security matters since 1996. Having covered the Union home ministry, security agencies, Election Commission and the ‘prime’ political beat, the Congress, for The Economic Times all these years, she moved to TOI in August 2012.

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