Maoist rebels kill 76 CRPF officers in Dantewada district, India.

The Communist Party of India (Maoist), widely recognized and often simply referred to as the CPI (Maoist), is a significant, albeit proscribed, left-wing extremist organization operating within India. It functions not merely as a political party but as a formidable militant group, staunchly adhering to Maoist communist ideology. Its fundamental objective is to violently overthrow what it perceives as the "semi-colonial and semi-feudal Indian state" through a protracted "people's war." This revolutionary vision aims to establish a new social order, rooted in its interpretation of communist principles.

The genesis of the CPI (Maoist) dates back to September 21, 2004, a pivotal moment born from the strategic merger of two prominent Naxalite factions: the Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) People's War, more commonly known as the People's War Group (PWG), and the Maoist Communist Centre of India (MCCI). This unification sought to consolidate fragmented radical left-wing movements under a single, more potent banner.

The organization, and by extension its members, are frequently called Naxalites. This term carries deep historical and cultural resonance, directly referencing the Naxalbari insurrection. This pivotal peasant uprising, led by radical Maoists, erupted in the Naxalbari village of West Bengal in 1967. The event became a potent symbol for revolutionary agrarian struggles and anti-establishment sentiment, embedding the "Naxalite" moniker firmly in public discourse as a reference to armed communist movements in India.

Given its militant activities and stated goals, the CPI (Maoist) has been officially designated as a terrorist organization in India since 2009, under the stringent provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). This designation underscores the Indian state's firm stance against the group's operations and its challenge to national security.

The gravity of the threat posed by the CPI (Maoist) was notably articulated in 2006 by then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who unequivocally called the Naxalites "the single biggest internal security challenge" facing India. He also insightfully pointed out that the movement draws significant strength and a dedicated "backbone" from the "deprived and alienated sections of the population." This observation highlights the socio-economic disparities and perceived injustices that often fuel support for such movements, particularly among tribal communities and landless laborers in marginalized regions.

Government assessments in 2013 indicated the widespread impact of "Naxal terrorism," affecting 76 districts across the country. Furthermore, another 106 districts were identified as being under the group's ideological influence, reflecting varying degrees of their presence and operational control. These areas often form part of what is colloquially known as the "Red Corridor," a vast swathe of central and eastern India. While security forces have made concerted efforts to curb their influence, reports in 2020 noted a resurgence of activities by the party in regions like Telangana and other previously affected areas, indicating the persistent and evolving nature of this internal security challenge.

Major Incidents and Operational Tactics

Among the deadliest incidents attributed to the CPI (Maoist) is the devastating April 2010 Dantewada Maoist attack. This ambush occurred on April 6, 2010, near Chintalnar village in the Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh, a state heavily impacted by Naxalite insurgency. The attack tragically resulted in the killing of 76 personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and 8 Maoist insurgents, marking it as the most severe assault by Maoists on Indian security forces to date. The security personnel, comprising over 85 officers from the central paramilitary force (CRPF) and a local police group, were engaged in a routine area domination exercise in the remote and often impenetrable Bastar tribal region of Chhattisgarh, a known stronghold for the CPI (Maoist). This horrific event underscored the brutal effectiveness of their ambush-style tactics, which have unfortunately been replicated in subsequent attacks against Indian police and security forces, highlighting the ongoing and violent conflict in these regions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the primary objective of the Communist Party of India (Maoist)?
The CPI (Maoist)'s primary objective is to violently overthrow what it perceives as the "semi-colonial and semi-feudal Indian state" through a protracted "people's war" and establish a new communist social order.
Why are members of the CPI (Maoist) often called Naxalites?
They are called Naxalites in reference to the Naxalbari insurrection, a significant peasant uprising led by radical Maoists in the Naxalbari village of West Bengal in 1967, which became a symbol for revolutionary agrarian movements in India.
When was the Communist Party of India (Maoist) formed?
The CPI (Maoist) was formed on September 21, 2004, through the merger of the Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) People's War and the Maoist Communist Centre of India (MCCI).
Is the CPI (Maoist) a legal political party in India?
No, the CPI (Maoist) has been designated as a terrorist organization in India under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act since 2009, making its activities illegal.
What areas of India are most affected by the CPI (Maoist)?
The CPI (Maoist) primarily operates in regions often referred to as the "Red Corridor," spanning across several central and eastern Indian states. In 2013, 76 districts were officially affected by "Naxal terrorism," with another 106 districts under ideological influence, including parts of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and now Telangana.
What was the significance of the 2010 Dantewada attack?
The April 2010 Dantewada attack was significant as it was the deadliest assault by Maoists on Indian security forces to date, resulting in the killing of 76 CRPF personnel. It highlighted the severe threat and sophisticated ambush tactics employed by the CPI (Maoist).