In a dramatic development that highlights internal contradictions within the banned CPI (Maoist) organization, the group's leadership has sent conflicting messages to its cadres within 24 hours, creating confusion about its strategic direction.
Contradictory Directives from Maoist Leadership
Just one day after the banned outfit sought a three-month pause in anti-Naxalite operations to allow its dispersed cadres to surrender and join government rehabilitation schemes, the group's Central Military Commission issued a sharply contradictory message. The CMC urged cadres to observe People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) Week from December 2 to 8 with "revolutionary fervour" and a commitment to "fight till the last breath."
The fresh statement, marking the 25th anniversary of PLGA, was a clear show of defiance against what Maoists described as a "brink war" waged by central and state governments. The CMC declared that the anniversary should be treated as "a moment of resilience after one of the bloodiest years for the revolutionary organization."
Government's Firm Stance and Security Preparations
The Indian government, which has repeatedly asserted that the Maoist insurgency will be crushed by March 2026, is preparing for intensified vigil in response to these developments. A senior police official stated unequivocally: "Whether Maoists agree to surrender or fight, security forces would take them on in conflict zones if found with weapons."
The official emphasized that there is "no slowing down or wait-and-watch policy" and confirmed that "adequate pressure is on, and intel-based operations would continue" regardless of the Maoists' mixed signals.
Significant Casualties and Internal Criticism
In a rare admission, the Maoists have confessed to losing 320 cadres nationwide over the past year, including eight Central Committee members, 15 state leaders and General Secretary Basavaraj. The highest casualties - 243 fighters - were reported from the Dandakaranya region, indicating severe losses in one of their traditional strongholds.
Though conceding a decline in intensity of armed actions, the CMC claimed to have killed 116 security personnel. However, the anti-Naxal apparatus dismissed this claim as "fake data with no such casualty figure on the ground."
In its internal critique, the CMC condemned the Bhupathi-Satish faction, accusing it of "betrayal after surrendering with over 227 weapons." Calling the group "revolutionary traitors," the leadership warned cadres against "revisionist arguments" and insisted the armed struggle remained "the only path to victory," promising to continue operations "even beyond March 2026."
PLGA Week Plans and Security Concerns
The directive for PLGA Week includes small meetings, poster campaigns and recruitment drives, with a strong emphasis on secrecy. The statement instructed cadres to "celebrate the anniversary as part of fulfilling our duty to defend the party, the PLGA, and the revolutionary movement."
Security agencies remain on high alert ahead of the anniversary week, concerned that the fresh call for mobilization may signal an attempt by the CPI (Maoist) to rebuild morale and reassert relevance in its shrinking strongholds. Maoists have observed the PLGA week for the last two-and-a-half decades in memory of their slain comrades, highlighting the exploits of their fighters, and motivating cadres to join them.
This development comes soon after senior Maharashtra officials indicated readiness to support large-scale surrenders without pausing anti-insurgency operations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah have also reiterated that security forces are on track to end the insurgency within months, setting the stage for continued confrontation in the coming weeks.
