Number of Maoist-hit districts in state falls from 22 to 8: STF | Patna News – Times of India
Patna: The state has made major progress in countering Maoist influence, reducing the number of affected districts from 22 in 2012 to just eight in 2024. The districts now under Maoist influence are Munger, Lakhisarai, Jamui, Nawada, Gaya, Aurangabad, Rohtas and Kaimur. This shift marks a major achievement in the state’s efforts to combat Left-Wing Extremism (LWE).
The special task force (STF), established after Bihar’s separation from Jharkhand in 2000, has been key to this success. Working alongside Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), the STF has driven back Maoist activities, leading to the reclassification of several districts by the ministry of home affairs. Some of these have transitioned from ‘highly affected’ to ‘legacy and thrust districts,’ which are still at risk of LWE expansion and require ongoing support.
Amrit Raj, additional director general (ADG) of STF, said, “Current Maoist activities are primarily concentrated in two areas – the Gaya-Aurangabad axis and the Jamui-Lakhisarai-Munger axis. The Bihar-Jharkhand Special Area Committee operates with three small groups along the first axis while the Eastern Bihar Northeastern Jharkhand Special Area Committee has nine armed operatives along the second.”
Recent operations have seen the deaths of top Maoist activists Pramod Koda and Matlu Turi as well as the arrests of Ram Babu Ram and Dheeraj, which have significantly reduced Maoist activities in north Bihar. Authorities have also tackled Maoist financing, destroying over 2,500 acres of illegal opium cultivation in 2024 alone. Investigations led to the seizure of assets worth Rs 6.75 crore under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.
The ADG added, “The reduction in affected districts from 22 to 8 is a key accomplishment in our efforts to ensure peace and security. Our strategy, combining security operations with rehabilitation programmes, has been effective.”
The STF’s capabilities have grown with Cheetah teams increasing from 9 in 2005 to 34 currently. In addition, 85 fortified police stations and 25 police buildings have been built in Maoist-affected areas.
“The state govt plans to make all districts Maoist-free by establishing new security camps, continuing intelligence-based operations and expanding rehabilitation programmes for surrendered rebels. In 2023, there were no casualties among civilians or security forces. The number of hardcore Maoist squad members has dropped from 190 in 2020 to just 16 by Dec 2024. These results highlight Bihar’s commitment to eliminating LWE and promoting lasting peace and development,” Raj said.
Patna: The state has made major progress in countering Maoist influence, reducing the number of affected districts from 22 in 2012 to just eight in 2024. The districts now under Maoist influence are Munger, Lakhisarai, Jamui, Nawada, Gaya, Aurangabad, Rohtas and Kaimur. This shift marks a major achievement in the state’s efforts to combat Left-Wing Extremism (LWE).
The special task force (STF), established after Bihar’s separation from Jharkhand in 2000, has been key to this success. Working alongside Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), the STF has driven back Maoist activities, leading to the reclassification of several districts by the ministry of home affairs. Some of these have transitioned from ‘highly affected’ to ‘legacy and thrust districts,’ which are still at risk of LWE expansion and require ongoing support.
Amrit Raj, additional director general (ADG) of STF, said, “Current Maoist activities are primarily concentrated in two areas – the Gaya-Aurangabad axis and the Jamui-Lakhisarai-Munger axis. The Bihar-Jharkhand Special Area Committee operates with three small groups along the first axis while the Eastern Bihar Northeastern Jharkhand Special Area Committee has nine armed operatives along the second.”
Recent operations have seen the deaths of top Maoist activists Pramod Koda and Matlu Turi as well as the arrests of Ram Babu Ram and Dheeraj, which have significantly reduced Maoist activities in north Bihar. Authorities have also tackled Maoist financing, destroying over 2,500 acres of illegal opium cultivation in 2024 alone. Investigations led to the seizure of assets worth Rs 6.75 crore under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.
The ADG added, “The reduction in affected districts from 22 to 8 is a key accomplishment in our efforts to ensure peace and security. Our strategy, combining security operations with rehabilitation programmes, has been effective.”
The STF’s capabilities have grown with Cheetah teams increasing from 9 in 2005 to 34 currently. In addition, 85 fortified police stations and 25 police buildings have been built in Maoist-affected areas.
“The state govt plans to make all districts Maoist-free by establishing new security camps, continuing intelligence-based operations and expanding rehabilitation programmes for surrendered rebels. In 2023, there were no casualties among civilians or security forces. The number of hardcore Maoist squad members has dropped from 190 in 2020 to just 16 by Dec 2024. These results highlight Bihar’s commitment to eliminating LWE and promoting lasting peace and development,” Raj said.
The special task force (STF), established after Bihar’s separation from Jharkhand in 2000, has been key to this success. Working alongside Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), the STF has driven back Maoist activities, leading to the reclassification of several districts by the ministry of home affairs. Some of these have transitioned from ‘highly affected’ to ‘legacy and thrust districts,’ which are still at risk of LWE expansion and require ongoing support.
Amrit Raj, additional director general (ADG) of STF, said, “Current Maoist activities are primarily concentrated in two areas – the Gaya-Aurangabad axis and the Jamui-Lakhisarai-Munger axis. The Bihar-Jharkhand Special Area Committee operates with three small groups along the first axis while the Eastern Bihar Northeastern Jharkhand Special Area Committee has nine armed operatives along the second.”
Recent operations have seen the deaths of top Maoist activists Pramod Koda and Matlu Turi as well as the arrests of Ram Babu Ram and Dheeraj, which have significantly reduced Maoist activities in north Bihar. Authorities have also tackled Maoist financing, destroying over 2,500 acres of illegal opium cultivation in 2024 alone. Investigations led to the seizure of assets worth Rs 6.75 crore under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.
The ADG added, “The reduction in affected districts from 22 to 8 is a key accomplishment in our efforts to ensure peace and security. Our strategy, combining security operations with rehabilitation programmes, has been effective.”
The STF’s capabilities have grown with Cheetah teams increasing from 9 in 2005 to 34 currently. In addition, 85 fortified police stations and 25 police buildings have been built in Maoist-affected areas.
“The state govt plans to make all districts Maoist-free by establishing new security camps, continuing intelligence-based operations and expanding rehabilitation programmes for surrendered rebels. In 2023, there were no casualties among civilians or security forces. The number of hardcore Maoist squad members has dropped from 190 in 2020 to just 16 by Dec 2024. These results highlight Bihar’s commitment to eliminating LWE and promoting lasting peace and development,” Raj said.
Patna: The state has made major progress in countering Maoist influence, reducing the number of affected districts from 22 in 2012 to just eight in 2024. The districts now under Maoist influence are Munger, Lakhisarai, Jamui, Nawada, Gaya, Aurangabad, Rohtas and Kaimur. This shift marks a major achievement in the state’s efforts to combat Left-Wing Extremism (LWE).
The special task force (STF), established after Bihar’s separation from Jharkhand in 2000, has been key to this success. Working alongside Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), the STF has driven back Maoist activities, leading to the reclassification of several districts by the ministry of home affairs. Some of these have transitioned from ‘highly affected’ to ‘legacy and thrust districts,’ which are still at risk of LWE expansion and require ongoing support.
Amrit Raj, additional director general (ADG) of STF, said, “Current Maoist activities are primarily concentrated in two areas – the Gaya-Aurangabad axis and the Jamui-Lakhisarai-Munger axis. The Bihar-Jharkhand Special Area Committee operates with three small groups along the first axis while the Eastern Bihar Northeastern Jharkhand Special Area Committee has nine armed operatives along the second.”
Recent operations have seen the deaths of top Maoist activists Pramod Koda and Matlu Turi as well as the arrests of Ram Babu Ram and Dheeraj, which have significantly reduced Maoist activities in north Bihar. Authorities have also tackled Maoist financing, destroying over 2,500 acres of illegal opium cultivation in 2024 alone. Investigations led to the seizure of assets worth Rs 6.75 crore under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.
The ADG added, “The reduction in affected districts from 22 to 8 is a key accomplishment in our efforts to ensure peace and security. Our strategy, combining security operations with rehabilitation programmes, has been effective.”
The STF’s capabilities have grown with Cheetah teams increasing from 9 in 2005 to 34 currently. In addition, 85 fortified police stations and 25 police buildings have been built in Maoist-affected areas.
“The state govt plans to make all districts Maoist-free by establishing new security camps, continuing intelligence-based operations and expanding rehabilitation programmes for surrendered rebels. In 2023, there were no casualties among civilians or security forces. The number of hardcore Maoist squad members has dropped from 190 in 2020 to just 16 by Dec 2024. These results highlight Bihar’s commitment to eliminating LWE and promoting lasting peace and development,” Raj said.
