General information
Type of Incompatibility: Government
Comment on Type of Incompatibility: The incompatibility between the CPI-Maoist and the Indian government concerns governmental power. CPI-Maoist's goal was to replace the present Indian states "by a people's democratic republic - a republic of workers, peasants and oppressed middle classes."
Also, the Maoist Naxalite movement rejects India's system of parliamentary democracy and aspires to overthrow the present system through armed struggle. Its stated objective is to "accomplish the people's democratic revolution through revolutionary people's war."
Date of first stated goal of incompatibility: 1948-03-06
Comment on date of first stated goals of incompatibility: The CPIs goal was to replace the present Indian state "by a peoples democratic republic - a republic of workers, peasents and oppressed middle classes."The CPI adopted its "Political Thesis" during its Second Congress held in Calcutta between 28 February and 6 March 1948. In this document, the CPI refers to the national Indian government, established on 15 August 1947, as the "major enemy of freedom for the Indian people".
Date of first use of armed force: 1948-03-31
Comment on first use of armed force: While the exact date of the first use of armed force is unclear, the CPI shortly after declaring its goal to replace the Indian government resorted to violence and organized terrorist attacks on representations of the state such as police stations and the public transport system in Calcutta. However, the Communist activities mainly increased in the countryside and in the south. Clashes between CPI and government representatives as well as riots were reported from Hooghly in March-April 1948. Communist activities have also been reported from Malabar (South India), where security forces were reinforced on 10 May 1948 after a number of assaults.
Date of first battle related death: 1948-05-01
Comment on first battle related death: The first battle-related deaths in the conflict between CPI and the government supposedly occurred in March/April 1948, when the police opened fire and killed two during riots.
On May 1, five Communists were killed after an exchange of fire with the Malabar police near Tellichery.
Date of conflict reached 25 battle releated deaths: 1948-09-18
Comment on conflict reached 25 battle releated deaths: The conflict reached 25 battle-related deaths in mid-September after the Indian army had entered Hyderabad state and overthrown the government on 13 September. The CPI, which had been involved in a guerilla war against the government of Hyderabad state, subsequently turned against the Indian government.
Annual information
This section contains annual information systematically collected by the UCDP.
1980
Primary Parties: -
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 0 |
| Best | 0 |
| Low | 0 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
1987
Primary Parties: -
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 6 |
| Best | 6 |
| Low | 6 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
1989
Primary Parties: -
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 7 |
| Best | 7 |
| Low | 7 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
1990
Primary Parties: -
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 7 |
| Best | 7 |
| Low | 7 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
1991
Primary Parties: Government of India - PWG
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 78 |
| Best | 78 |
| Low | 78 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
1992
Primary Parties: Government of India - PWG
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 503 |
| Best | 323 |
| Low | 323 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
1993
Primary Parties: Government of India - PWG
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 193 |
| Best | 182 |
| Low | 174 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
1994
Primary Parties: Government of India - PWG
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 68 |
| Best | 68 |
| Low | 68 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
1995
Primary Parties: -
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 3 |
| Best | 3 |
| Low | 3 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
1996
Primary Parties: Government of India - PWG
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 180 |
| Best | 180 |
| Low | 179 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
1997
Primary Parties: Government of India - PWG
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 85 |
| Best | 84 |
| Low | 78 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
1998
Primary Parties: Government of India - PWG
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 132 |
| Best | 120 |
| Low | 118 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
1999
Primary Parties: Government of India - MCC, PWG
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 131 |
| Best | 127 |
| Low | 121 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2000
Primary Parties: Government of India - CPI-ML-J, MCC, PWG
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 214 |
| Best | 209 |
| Low | 202 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2001
Primary Parties: Government of India - MCC, PWG
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 182 |
| Best | 182 |
| Low | 167 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2002
Primary Parties: Government of India - MCC, PWG
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 201 |
| Best | 191 |
| Low | 190 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2003
Primary Parties: Government of India - MCC, PWG
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 107 |
| Best | 102 |
| Low | 102 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2004
Primary Parties: Government of India - MCC, PWG
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 89 |
| Best | 89 |
| Low | 89 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2005
Primary Parties: Government of India - CPI-Maoist
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 245 |
| Best | 203 |
| Low | 203 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2006
Primary Parties: Government of India - CPI-Maoist
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 628 |
| Best | 566 |
| Low | 509 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2007
Primary Parties: Government of India - CPI-Maoist
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 429 |
| Best | 402 |
| Low | 398 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2008
Primary Parties: Government of India - CPI-Maoist
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 450 |
| Best | 397 |
| Low | 389 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2009
Primary Parties: Government of India - CPI-Maoist
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 670 |
| Best | 538 |
| Low | 529 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2010
Primary Parties: Government of India - CPI-Maoist
Dimension: Internal
Comment on Dimension: Throughout the year, the states of Chhattisgarh, Orissa, West Bengal, Bihar and Jharkhand, were among the most affected by the insurgency. These states are located in what is commonly known as the “Red Corridor” covering an area from Karnataka state in the southwestern parts of the country, to West Bengal which borders Bangladesh. The Red Corridor represents the main area affected by the conflict.
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 665 |
| Best | 570 |
| Low | 557 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2011
Primary Parties: Government of India - CPI-Maoist
Dimension: Internal
Comment on Dimension: Throughout the year, the states of Chhattisgarh, Orissa, West Bengal, Bihar and Jharkhand, were among the most affected by the insurgency. These states are located in what is commonly known as the “Red Corridor” covering an area from Karnataka state in the southwestern parts of the country, to West Bengal which borders Bangladesh. The Red Corridor represents the main area affected by the conflict. There has been confirmed information that Maoist rebel groups have been making efforts to establish tactical alliance with the hard line faction of ULFA, in order to expand and get strategic bases in Assam.
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 348 |
| Best | 299 |
| Low | 299 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2012
Primary Parties: Government of India - CPI-Maoist
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 286 |
| Best | 253 |
| Low | 245 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2013
Primary Parties: Government of India - CPI-Maoist
Dimension: Internal
Comment on Dimension: The conflict remained internal.
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 251 |
| Best | 230 |
| Low | 224 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2014
Primary Parties: Government of India - CPI-Maoist
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 250 |
| Best | 203 |
| Low | 175 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2015
Primary Parties: Government of India - CPI-Maoist
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 209 |
| Best | 150 |
| Low | 150 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2016
Primary Parties: Government of India - CPI-Maoist
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 333 |
| Best | 278 |
| Low | 254 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2017
Primary Parties: Government of India - CPI-Maoist
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 258 |
| Best | 257 |
| Low | 256 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2018
Primary Parties: Government of India - CPI-Maoist
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 332 |
| Best | 320 |
| Low | 315 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2019
Primary Parties: Government of India - CPI-Maoist
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 233 |
| Best | 232 |
| Low | 232 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2020
Primary Parties: Government of India - CPI-Maoist
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 183 |
| Best | 161 |
| Low | 160 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2021
Primary Parties: Government of India - CPI-Maoist
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 198 |
| Best | 186 |
| Low | 180 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2022
Primary Parties: Government of India - CPI-Maoist
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 82 |
| Best | 82 |
| Low | 82 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2023
Primary Parties: Government of India - CPI-Maoist
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 98 |
| Best | 97 |
| Low | 96 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2024
Primary Parties: Government of India - CPI-Maoist
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 365 |
| Best | 330 |
| Low | 324 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2025
Primary Parties: Government of India - CPI-Maoist
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 435 |
| Best | 422 |
| Low | 420 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
Conflict Archive
This section contains annual information no longer systematically collected by the UCDP.
1980 Conflict Archive
Terminated: NO
1987 Conflict Archive
Terminated: NO
1989 Conflict Archive
Comment on Yearly Battle Related Deaths: UNCLEAR: There are few reports on separate incidents of violence in the Naxalite revolt, and it is hence not possible to confirm 25 battle-related deaths in 1989. There was, however, a general tendency of escalating violence during the period, reflected in the rise in casualties from 62 in 1988 to 180 in 1990. It should be noted that these numbers include civilian casualties as well as strict battle-related deaths.
Negotiations: NO
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
1990 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: The governments initial response to the mounting public agitation by the Naxalite movement was relatively soft. The revolutionary Maoist groups, popular among the landless poor, were generally seen as voicing genuine grievances. As violence escalated in mid 1990 the authorities decided to enforce harder measures to combat the militants. By that time the dominating PWG had already established itself in the Jungle districts of Andhra Pradesh, Maharahstra, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa. They had set up parallel administrations, established "courts" for public trials of landowner, traders and informers. They had furthermore taken measures to forcibly redistribute land owned by the big farmers and raise farm wages. This made the Naxalite movement immensely popular among the landless poor, while it was perceived as a mounting threat by the authorities.
Severe clashes between various Naxalite groups competing for supremacy were noted in 1990.
Comment on Yearly Battle Related Deaths: UNCLEAR. The total estimate of insurgency-related casualties in Andhra Pradesh, the Naxalite stronghold, during the year ranges between 180 - 195. It should be noted that this number includes civilian victims; many of them landowners and traders killed by the Maoist guerrilla following so called public trials. There is no reporting on the separate incidents of violence and it is hence not possible to separately confirm 25 battle-related deaths.
Negotiations: NO
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
1991 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: The PWG strengthened its campaign of kidnapping that targeted politicians, policemen and other officials. The rebels only rarely killed the victims, but rather demanded the release of detained colleagues in exchange for the hostages.
In May the PWG called for a boycott of the states elections, stating that poverty could be relieved only through armed struggle. The group was alleged of being behind widespread pre-poll violence that together killed approximately 50 persons.
Negotiations: NO
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
1992 Conflict Archive
Negotiations: NO
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
1993 Conflict Archive
Negotiations: NO
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
1994 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: In November about 20 000 paramilitary troops, under central army command, were ordered into the volatile PWG stronghold of Andhra Pradesh to help conduct state elections on 1 and 5 December. The PWG, who virtually controlled 70 of the 294 constituencies in the state, boycotted the election and encouraged the people not to vote. The election in Andhra Pradesh took place amidst police-fire and bomb-blasts staged by the PWG.
Negotiations: NO
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: YES
Type of termination: No or Low Activity
Date of termination: 1994-12-31
1995 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: The year began optimistically in Andhra Pradesh, where approximately 50 rebels decided to surrender their arms, following a general call from the state authorities to abandon the armed struggle and join the democratic movement. In June the state authority decided to lift its ban on the PWG, on the precondition that it refrained from violence. There was no immediate response from the rebels, but the overall picture in 1995 was that of abating tension.
In Bihar, another Naxalite stronghold the developments took a more negative turn. Eight companies of paramilitary forces were deployed in the state to supervise the elections to be held in early March. Following escalating pre-poll violence, blamed primarily on the MCC, the security personnel was given shoot on sight orders in case of any disruption of the elections. Together 47 people lost their lives in the violence, most of them in clashes between Naxalites and followers of other candidates contesting in the election.
Negotiations: NO
Comment on Negotiation: In the beginning of the year the state government in Andhra Pradesh called for the Naxalite rebels to shun the path of violence and join the political mainstream. Following this initiative 49 PWG rebels decided to surrender. The policy of accommodation continued as the state authorities on 17 June announced the lifting of the ban on PWG for three months, on the condition that the rebels did refrain from violence and forced extortion of money from the civilian population. The lifting of the ban was a demand from several human rights organisations, to create a congenial atmosphere for talks between the parties. Three months later the ban was re-imposed.
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
1996 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: Following the relative calm of the previous months, early 1996 experienced an upsurge in violence in the form of bomb attacks on public buildings and ambushes between rebels and security personnel.
In Bihar the situation escalated in the presence of private armies promoted by and owing allegiance to particular castes, some of the associated to the Naxalite movement. Intercommunal clashes and indiscriminate killings of civilians claimed, according to official estimates, 2625 lives in the first 7 months of the year. The largest single incident was the killing of 20 lower caste Hindus, whereof 17 women, by Ranvir Sena, a private army of the landlords in mid July. These killings are not included in the yearly battle related casualties, but illustrate the overall deteriorating security situation in Bihar during the period.
Negotiations: NO
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
1997 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: In mid June there was a marked increase in Naxalite violence both in Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, aimed specifically at undermining government authority. Attacks on government buildings, telephone exchanges, railway stations and police-posts were recurring events, even in areas of previous calm.
The year was, however, marked by internecine clashes in the state of Bihar between different groups of the Naxalite movement. MCC and CPI (M-L) Party Unity were fighting against the CPI (ML)Liberation, (the two latter fractions of the CPI (M-L)) in an attempt to expand their own power-base. The reports emerged in April. There were also reports of continuing inter communal violence between "caste rivals", in which the Naxalite groups were participating. Inter-group clashes flared up again towards the end of the year. According to official sources over 450 Naxalites and their associates had up until then been killed in the rivalry since 1994. There was also an eruption of brutal inter-communal violence, referred to as "caste rivalry", in the latter half of the year. In the worst single incident 60 civilians were killed by the private army Ranvir Sena - launched and supported by the land-owners. Naxalite groups were also participating in the escalatory circle of violence and retaliations.
Negotiations: NO
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
1998 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: Election to the state assembly in Bihar in February took place amid widespread violence. In a bid to enforce its poll boycott the MCC staged several violent attacks against governmental buildings. Violence also intensified in Andhra Pradesh from mid 1998, as the PWG intensified its military attacks as well as penetrated new areas in the neighbouring state of Orissa.
Negotiations: NO
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
1999 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: The years state-elections in Bihar took place amid widespread violence. MCC tried to enforce its boycott of the election through violence and attacks on government buildings. 38 people were reported killed on 18 September, most killed by landmines laid by the Naxalite movement.
In December 1999 PWG intensified its violent campaign and attempted to coordinate its activities with other Naxalite groups. The move followed a major government crackdown on the movement in Andhra Pradesh in which three of the outfits top commanders were killed in encounters with the police.
Negotiations: NO
Comment on Negotiation: In December the Andhra Pradesh state government made an offer to hold talks with the PWG if they laid down arms. No progress was recorded in relation to negotiations.
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
2000 Conflict Archive
Negotiations: NO
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
2001 Conflict Archive
Negotiations: NO
Comment on Negotiation: In Early July the PWG offered to hold talks with the government. The precondition was that the government first should implement PWGs five charter of demand. The two most important demands were: i) lifting of the ban on the group, and recognising it as a political party, ii) taking action against policemen involved in "fake encounters" and conducting a public enquiry. The Government ruled out unconditional talks with the PWG and underlined that law and order was the government’s primary problem. By the end of the year one could observe some change in attitude with the government, which declared itself positive to an attempt to find a political solution to the problem.
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
2002 Conflict Archive
Negotiations: YES
Comment on Negotiation: In January the PWG reiterated its offer for talks with the government. No conditions were set, but the PWG requested the government to stop police encounters and military raids to create a conducive atmosphere for talks. In a move to bolster the ongoing effort to organise talks the PWG in May declared a unilateral ceasefire in May.
After several months of preparatory moves the negotiations started in June 2002. This was the first time during the insurgency that the PWG publicly held talks with the government representatives. On 20 July, the date originally set for new rounds of talks, the PWG withdrew from the negotiations and called of the ceasefire - in place for 2 months. The PWG accused the government of not maintaining its part of the truce as the army had resorted to killing of PWG cadres. Initiatives to resume talks did not succeed.
Third party involvement: YES
Third party involvement names: CCC - Committee of Concerned Citizens
Comment on Third Party Involvement: The CCC, comprising former civil servants, academics and other intellectuals was actively involved in the process leading up to the negotiations. In July 2002 the group made a call to the parties to stop hostilities and initiate talks, later it conducted preliminary talks leading up to the formal meeting between the Government and the PWG in June 2002.
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
2003 Conflict Archive
Negotiations: NO
Comment on Negotiation: In mid 2003 the government offered one-to-one talks with the Peoples War group, but there was no immediate response.
The Naxalites presented four demands, possibly to be seen as preconditions for talks: i) they should be given opportunities to work in the plains, ii) release of tribals arrested in "fake cases" iii) judicial enquires into cases of police excesses and iv) withdrawal of police forces from Naxal areas.
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
2004 Conflict Archive
Negotiations: YES
Comment on Negotiation: In mid October the Andhra Pradesh government initiated talks with the the PWG. The talks, following in the line of a ceasefire arrangement in place since June, was the first ever talks between PWG and the government. To prepare for talks the ban on PWG was lifted. On the table in the talks were an extension of the ceasefire, distribution of land to the rural poor as well as issues concerning civilian security.
The negotiations ended without a breakthrough after the rebels demanded a written truce, the release of prisoners and redistribution of land to the poor. The state government said it would review those demands but could only act within the limits of the law and the constitution.
In December the parties agreed to a further extension of the ceasefire so the year ended on a positive note. The future of a second round of dialogue was, however, still uncertain.
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
2005 Conflict Archive
Negotiations: NO
Comment on Negotiation: Negotiations between CPI-Maoist and the Andhra Pradesh state government which had begun in late 2004 broke down in mid-January 2005 after the rebels accused authorities of not addressing its demands for a written truce, release of prisoners and redistribution of land. Moreover, CPI (Maoist) also accused government forces of breaking a truce and killing several of its cadres. In August, the Indian Home Minister stated that the central government did not intend to hold direct talks with any Naxalite group. CPI (Maoist) was banned by the Andra Pradesh government in August. [No negotiations are coded for 2005 because it does not appear that the parties were actively engaged in talks during the first two weeks of the year before CPI (Maoist) pulled out].
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
2006 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: The communist conflict was active in 13 of Indias 28 states. The conflict now affects large swathes of territory throughout eastern India, stretching from the border to Nepal almost to the southern tip of the subcontinent. Hardest hit were the states of Chattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand. It is clear that the sharp escalation in violence which occurred after the merger of MCC and PWG in 2004 continued unabated in 2006, which also saw widespread fighting and insecurity.
Comment on Yearly Battle Related Deaths: Battle-related deaths were estimated to range from 426-479 for 2006; the best estimate is 426.
Negotiations: NO
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
2007 Conflict Archive
Comment on Yearly Battle Related Deaths: "Low estimate: 339
Best estimate: 345
High estimate: 396"
Negotiations: NO
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
2008 Conflict Archive
Comment on Yearly Battle Related Deaths: Best estimate of 378, low estimate of 365, high estimate of 431.
Negotiations: NO
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
2009 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: In 2009, armed conflict continued between the government of India and CPI–Maoist. Despite attempts to initiate talks, the rebels rejected demands for it to denounce the armed struggle, and fighting resulted in a higher death toll than in any previous year in the dyad. It was also reported that more areas were affected by the conflict than previously, and that the rebels were now active in 223 districts in 20 states (out of a total 636 districts in 28 states).
Negotiations: NO
Comment on Negotiation: Although CPI–Maoist on several occasions indicated that it was willing to declare a ceasefire and initiate talks, it refused to denounce the armed struggle, a step demanded by the government.
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
2010 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: The conflict continued during 2010, at a similar intensity as the previous year, an escalation compared to earlier levels of violence. During the year the CPI-Maoist notably carried out a few larger-scale attacks, including an attack on the Security Forces’ camp in Silda in West Bengal state and the 6th April ambush in Dantewada, Chhattisgarh state. Both of these attacks were said to be in response to Operation Greenhunt, a large anti-Maoist operation begun in 2009.
An event receiving plenty of information was the kidnapping of four Policemen in Bihar. The Maoists demanded the release of a number of their comrades who were under arrest, in exchange for the safe return of the policemen. They were held hostage by the CPI-Maoist for just over a week, and one of them was subsequently killed, reportedly because of the failure to comply with the Maoists demands. The remaining three were however released.
The year also saw several instances of the CPI-Maoist attacking targets such as schools and railways, often without inflicting any deaths. In some cases the reason was allegedly to enforce strikes or else a claim that a given target was being used by Indian forces. While these targets can be considered civilian in nature, these attacks can also be considered part of the state-based conflict, since it was the state infrastructure that was being destroyed or else if the target was being put to use by the state forces.
Comment on Yearly Battle Related Deaths: Throughout the year, the states of Chhattisgarh, Orissa, West Bengal, Bihar and Jharkhand, were among the most affected by the insurgency. These states are located in what is commonly known as the “Red Corridor” covering an area from Karnataka state in the southwestern parts of the country, to West Bengal which borders Bangladesh. The Red Corridor represents the main area affected by the conflict.
Negotiations: NO
Comment on Negotiation: No negotiations were held between the conflicting parties in 2010. The Maoists did offer talks on a few occasions throughout the year, however they would not agree to the demand set and reiterated several times by the government; namely that they lay down their arms. The CPI-Maoist, by contrast argued that government action against them needed to cease first. On occasion, they also demanded the release of jailed cadres.
Some hardening of the Maoist stand could be seen in relation to the July killing of Azad, a prominent CPI-Maoist member and leadership figure. The CPI-Maoist then ruled out the possibility of holding talks with the government. However, later statements seemed to indicate a reversal of this stand, provided the government ceased its Operation Greenhunt.
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
Comment on Termination: The conflict remains ongoing.
Comment on Termination Date: The conflict remains ongoing.
2011 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: The conflict continued during 2011, but at a lower intensity as the previous year and it has been a de-escalation compared to earlier levels of violence in the past couple of years. During 2011 CPI-Maoist notably carried out a few larger-scale attacks, combined with several smaller events.
Despite a reported decline in CPI-Maoist related violence in many areas of the country, the situation in some parts of Chhattisgarh remained unchanged and the local administration have noticed the central government of the situation. According to reports have CPI-Maoist affected states witnessed more incidents of violence than Jammu and Kashmir and the northern states in the latest six months.
Similar to 2010, the year also saw several instances of CPI-Maoist attacking targets such as schools and railways, often without inflicting any deaths. In some cases the reason was allegedly to enforce strikes or else a claim that a given target was being used by Indian forces. While these targets can be considered civilian in nature, these attacks can also be considered part of the state-based conflict, since it was the state infrastructure that was being destroyed or else if the target was being put to use by the state forces.
Comment on Yearly Battle Related Deaths: Throughout the year, the states of Chhattisgarh, Orissa, West Bengal, Bihar and Jharkhand, were among the most affected by the insurgency. These states are located in what is commonly known as the “Red Corridor” covering an area from Karnataka state in the southwestern parts of the country, to West Bengal which borders Bangladesh. The Red Corridor represents the main area affected by the conflict.
Negotiations: NO
Comment on Negotiation: No negotiations were held between the conflicting parties in 2011 however India’s president has urged CPI-Maoists to leave violence and accept the government’s offer to peace talks.
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
Comment on Termination: The conflict remains ongoing.
Comment on Termination Date: The conflict remains ongoing.
2012 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: The year 2012 witnessed the fewest battle-related deaths since 2004. However, the conflict remained very active in Jharkhand, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh States. To a lesser degree, the conflict was also active in Assam, West Bengal, and Karnataka States.
Each side continued to inflict heavy losses on the other in 2012. Maoist fighters used landmines and IED to carry out many of their attacks and ambushes. The two most deadly such attacks occurred in January and March. These two attacks, alone, claimed the lives of 25 security officers.
Civilians continued to die in fighting between the Government of India and the Maoist rebels. Many of these deaths derived from a single event in June, in which Indian security forces on a night-time raid fired on a village gathering which they had mistaken for a Maoist meeting. This event rose immediately to national prominence and inspired changes to anti-Maoist rules of engagement for security personnel. These changes may have reduced civilian battle-related deaths inflicted by security forces in the second half of the year.
Comment on Yearly Battle Related Deaths: Sources indicate that 242 fatalities resulted from the on-going conflict between the Government of India and the Comunist Party of Inda-Maoist in 2012. This best estimate derives from careful analysis of over 1800 articles collected from Indian national and local news sources.
The disparity between the best and high estimates largely derives from the Indian Governments method of reporting fatalities: military and police spokesmen use blood trails and the reports of individual soldiers to determine the number of fatalities inflicted on Maoist fighters. In most cases, UCDP attributes these deaths (in which security forces claim to kill rebel fighters, but fail to recover their bodies) to a high estimate, but not a best estimate.
Negotiations: NO
Comment on Negotiation: No negotiations took place between the Government of India and CPI-Maoist in 2012.
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
2013 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: The conflict remained active in 2013, as it culminated in well over the UCDP threshold of 25 fatalities.
Comment on Yearly Battle Related Deaths: The conflict generated well over 200 fatalities in 2013. The fatality Estimates for 2013 do not differ significantly from 2012, and this indicates that the intensity of the conflict remained unchanged.
Negotiations: NO
Comment on Negotiation: The actors involved in the conflict did not enter into any negotiations in 2013.
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Comment on Victory: No victory occurred in 2013.
Terminated: NO
Comment on Termination: The conflict remained unterminated in 2013.
2014 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: The conflict remained active in 2014, as it culminated in well over the UCDP threshold of 25 fatalities.
Negotiations: NO
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
2015 Conflict Archive
Terminated: NO
2016 Conflict Archive
Terminated: NO
2017 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: Violence between the Indian government forces and the CPI–Maoist continued throughout 2014, affecting a number of Indian states. Through 2015-2017, the level of fatalities in the fighting between the Government if India and CPI–Maoist fluctuated, seeing a spike in 2016. Maoist tactics included triggering explosions and ambushing the Indian security forces. There was also vigorous attempts by Indian security forces to contain the Naxalite insurgency.
Negotiations: NO
Terminated: NO
2018 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: The intrastate conflict over government continued to be active in 2018; the warring parties were the Government of India and the CPI-Maoist group. The intensity was the highest in 9 years. Chhattisgarh state was by far the most affected state, yet violence was recorded in almost all "red corridor" states in India. Among other reasons, contributing factors were the preparation for the general elections and the implementation of state elections in Chhattisgarh.
Terminated: NO
2019 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: The conflict kept being active in 2019 with the Government of India and the CPI-Maoist as the primary warring parties. The intensity of the conflict was lower than the previous year but still, it affected almost all all "red corridor" states in India, especially the Chhattisgarh state.
Terminated: NO
2020 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: The intrastate conflict over government continued to be active in 2020 and the primary warring parties were the Government of India and the CPI-Maoist. The intensity of the conflict was lower than the previous year but still, it affected almost all all "red corridor" states in India, especially the Chhattisgarh state.
Terminated: NO
Type of termination: Not terminated
2021 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: The intrastate conflict over government continued to be active in 2021 and the primary warring parties were the Government of India and the CPI-Maoist. The intensity of the conflict remained at the same level as the previous year and the violence affected almost all "red corridor" states in India, especially the Chhattisgarh state.
Negotiations: NO
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
2022 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: The intrastate conflict over government continued in 2022. The primary conflict parties were again the Government of India and the CPI-Maoist. Fatalities in the conflict dropped to less than half compared to 2021, to the lowest intensity level since the 1990s. Similar to earlier years, most violence took place in Chhattisgarh state, but it affected almost all "red corridor" states.
Negotiations: NO
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
2023 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: The intrastate conflict over government continued to be active in 2023. The Government of India and the CPI-Maoist continued to be the primary warring parties. Fatalities in the conflict increased compared to 2022 but remain on the lowest levels since the 1990s. The violence affected almost all "red corridor" states in the country, especially the Chhattisgarh state.
Negotiations: NO
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
2024 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: Violence in the conflict escalated sharply in 2024, with fatalities more than tripling compared to the previous year. This surge reflected both an increase in the number of events and greater lethality, often tied to large-scale Government of India counterinsurgency operations. The escalation aligns with intensified efforts to combat CPI-Maoist activity across India, as part of a broader campaign to eliminate ‘Left-Wing Extremism’ by March 2026. Most of the violence continued to be concentrated in Chhattisgarh state.
Negotiations: NO
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
2025 Conflict Archive
Terminated: NO
