What internal crisis is the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee facing?

The DKSZC is experiencing a leadership split over peace talks, loss of tribal trust, and shrinking armed units.

Who are the key leaders involved in the Maoist peace talk debate?

Key figures include Sonu, Thippiri Tirupati alias Devji, Gajarla Ravi alias Uday, and Nambala Keshava Rao 'BR Da.'

How did 'Operation Kagar' impact the Maoist movement?

Operation Kagar intensified pressure on Maoist strongholds, exposing structural weaknesses and contributing to internal dissent and defections.

Home / War and Conflict / Maoist Crisis: Internal Splits and Peace Talk Debates Emerge

Maoist Crisis: Internal Splits and Peace Talk Debates Emerge

13 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Internal Maoist documents reveal a major leadership split over peace talks.
Loss of tribal trust, ageing leadership, and shrinking units plague the movement.
Operation Kagar intensified pressure, leading to increased encounters and defections.

Maoist Crisis: Internal Splits and Peace Talk Debates Emerge

Internal documents from surrendered Maoist leaders reveal a severe crisis within the movement, characterized by a widening leadership split over peace talks. One faction, the Sonu group, reportedly favors integrating into the mainstream, while a hardline faction led by Thippiri Tirupati alias Devji insists on continuing armed activities. This internal division intensified following 'Operation Kagar,' launched in January 2024, which mounted significant pressure across Maoist strongholds.

The reports detail escalating tensions between the factions, with some even considering attacking each other. The near collapse of the urban support network, highlighted by the arrest of key handler Balumuri Narayana Rao alias Prabhakar, and the surrender or arrest of other operatives, has been a major blow. Furthermore, the central committee has reportedly criticized past violent acts, including the killings of Araku MLAs Kidari Sarveswara Rao and Siveri Soma, citing a tarnished party image.