Natural Resource Conflict and the Rise of Maoist Movement in Chhattisgarh

ABSTRACTThe Maoist movement has become one of the biggest threats to internal security in India, affecting nearly 165districts across 14 states. The widespread discontent in rural areas, especially among tribal communities who havelong faced economic hardship, social discrimination, and political exploitation, has allowed left-wing extremistgroups to promote their violent political ideologies. Ecological issues, resource exploitation, and the failure touphold the constitutional protections for tribal communities have further fuelled the growth of the movement.Chhattisgarh, in particular, is considered a major epicentre of the Maoist uprising, with the group exerting influenceover 18 of its 27 districts at its peak. This paper aims to explore the situation in the state, highlighting the government’sfailure and possible ways to address the crisis, and propose effective strategies to tackle the Maoist violence andrestore peace.