The number of female Maoist fighters killed in anti-Naxal operations in Chhattisgarh has significantly increased since 2024

What Is It?

Women cadres are crucial to the Naxal insurgency, particularly in the Bastar area and Jharkhand.

Frequently pressured, brainwashed, or obligated to take on military positions from impoverished tribal backgrounds.

Employed as infantry, human shields, and frontline combatants by Maoist leaders.

Data Elements:

2024: In Chhattisgarh, 217 Maoists were killed, including 74 women.

2025 (up to June 20): 195 fatalities, including 82 women.

Causes Contributing to Women Maoists:

• Coercion and intimidation of impoverished Adivasi households.
• Maoist approach to enlisting Bal Dastas (youth squads).
• Ideological conditioning of young girls.
• Patriarchal oppression persists despite Maoist claims of gender equality.
• Absence of different options in underdeveloped areas.