IN A significant development within the Maoist ranks, internal conflicts have surfaced, leading to the killing of ACM Vijja, a senior local cadre from South Bastar, by his own comrades in the Rajnandgaon-Kanker Border Division. On September 6, 2024, Vijja was reportedly executed by fellow Maoists under the leadership of Telugu cadre Vijay Reddy. The incident is yet another indicator of the growing mistrust within the organisation, as frustrations from continuous losses throughout 2024 mount. This year has seen the Maoists suffer heavy casualties, leading to increasing internal strife. According to Bastar Range Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sundarraj Pattilingam, this incident underscores the ‘crisis of trust and growing factionalism’ within the Maoist hierarchy. The intensified operations by security forces have resulted in over 153 Maoists being killed in encounters across Bastar. IGP Sundarraj elaborated, “the organisation is facing immense pressure particularly after the recent deaths of key figures, including DKSZC members Joganna and Randhir, and TSC Commander Sagar.

 

This has led to a vacuum of leadership.” The neutralization of other senior cadres, such as ACM Sangeeta from Maharashtra and PPCM Lakshmi from Odisha, further highlights the unraveling of Maoist ranks. Security forces have gathered credible intelligence inputs pointing to deepening divisions within the Maoist leadership. External cadres from states like Telangana, Odisha, and Maharashtra are reportedly “suspicious of local cadres,” said IGP Sundarraj. This suspicion has led to retaliatory actions, including the killing of Vijja, which was carried out to silence alleged betrayals. “These actions are indicative of a broader breakdown in trust within the organization,” Sundarraj added, highlighting the growing sense of betrayal. The killing of Vijja took place in the dense jungles of Malmetta in Kanker, where Vijay Reddy’s faction accused him of treachery.

 

The situation has escalated to the point where the top Maoist leadership is resorting to false narratives, labeling their fallen comrades as police informers or traitors in fabricated press releases. “They are attempting to divert attention from their internal conflicts by creating misleading stories,” said IGP Sundarraj, addressing the Maoists’ attempts to maintain control over their cadres and the public narrative. Recent setbacks, particularly in the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee areas, have rendered the Maoists directionless. “The Maoist leadership is in disarray,” IGP Sundarraj explained. For decades, top external leaders have exploited local cadres as human shields, accumulating vast wealth in the process. However, local cadres are increasingly becoming aware of this exploitation, leading to a growing rebellion against their external counterparts. IGP Sundarraj concluded, “The only viable option left for the local Maoist cadres is to surrender. For the sake of *their own lives* as well as peace and development in Bastar. It is crucial that they reintegrate into mainstream society and contribute to a safer, more prosperous region.”