Crucial moment

• The outlawed Communist Party of India (Maoist) general secretary, Namballa Keshav Rao, was killed in security operations in Chhattisgarh.

• Basavaraju, who had been the head of the party’s central military commission and general secretary since 2018, was killed in a security operation.

• His death represents the failure of the Maoists’ militarist strategy, which aimed to continue their “protracted peoples’ war” instead of political struggle.

• The government’s goal is to overcome the Maoist threat by 2026, and Basavaraju’s killing could signal a major victory.

• The Maoists’ reportedly sought peace talks while continuing their armed struggle raises questions about the apprehending of Maoist leaders and activists.

• The Maoists’ recruitment has significantly reduced, with significant support from the tribal population in south Chhattisgarh.

• The government’s increased tribal welfare measures and emphasis on defeating guerilla warfare have eroded their limited military and support bases.

• The government should use this situation to renew its call for peace talks and pressure the Maoists to abandon their armed struggle.