A.8. Development and decline of extremism
- The ideology of revolution has lost its old appeal which is evident in the lack of interest among locals to join the militia.
- An improved performance from the state on the development and governance fronts makes it difficult for the insurgents to grow in the same manner as they managed earlier.
- The Centre initiated the development and good-governance measures denied the insurgents the support of the affected populations.
- The most significant steps taken by the Centre are in terms of enacting a few landmark legislation recognizing the rights of Adivasis to access forest resources and for self-governance- the passage of the Forest Dwellers Act in 2006 despite stiff resistance from environmentalists and NGOs.
- Strengthened security-centric measures to address the growing Maoist movement.
- They have captured more than 7,000 active cadres in the last three years, while an equal number of Maoists have surrendered before authorities in various states.
- Loss of strongholds, the declining appeal of ideology, and leadership crisis, along with improved performance from the affected states on socio-economic fronts, may make it difficult for the insurgency to regain the momentum it once had decades ago.
- The significant improvements in security agencies, particularly the police forces, improved security and intelligence infrastructure, and better command and control systems to keep track of the rebels and their movements also contributed to security.