people's war against Modi's regime in an intervew.

Maoist Insurgency Still Simmers in Modi’s India
 In an email interview, P.V. Ramana, a research fellow at the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses in New Delhi, discussed the insurgency of Maoist groups, also known as Naxalites, and the Modi administration’s response.
WPR: What is the current status of the Naxalite insurgency in India?
P.V. Ramana: The Communist Party of India (Maoist) was banned in 2009 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act of 1967. The Maoist insurgents have a presence to varying degree—intense to negligible—in 182 districts across 20 states. However, of the 182 districts where they have a presence, only 76 districts have witnessed violence. The states of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Odisha account for an overwhelming majority of the violence committed by the Maoist insurgents.....

WPR: What is Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policy toward the Maoists and does it represent a shift from that of the previous administration?
Ramana: According to Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju*, “the government believes a combination of calibrated police action, focused developmental efforts and improvement in governance are effective instrumentalities” in dealing with the Maoist insurgency. Prime Minister Modi himself asked the Maoists to shun the path of violence and join the national mainstream. During his Independence Day address on Aug. 15, Modi called upon “misguided youth who had taken to terrorism or Maoism to give up violence and return to the national mainstream.” Before his election as prime minister, Modi said at an election rally, “Don’t arm the gullible youth with guns . . . Instead, pick up the plough and distribute it among youngsters for you need to feed scores of people who sleep hungry in this country. Also ensure the youth picks up the pen as only education can lead to progress and development in the villages.

WPR: Does the election of Modi change the Maoists’ view of the Indian government and are the Maoists likely to adapt their insurgency in light of the new administration?
Ramana: The Maoists have consistently held that elections are a sham and have never participated in any election at any level of government. Their avowed objective is the armed seizure of political power. These twin aspects of their ideology have never changed and will never change irrespective of which political party heads the government. The Maoists are quick to adapt their strategy and tactics depending upon the government’s policies and actions. Presently, they are adopting a wait-and-see strategy before planning their next moves. Hence, there is a certain stalemate in the insurgency and counterinsurgency operations.