Why in news?
Killing of Madvi Hidma, a top Maoist commander is expected to trigger a further wave of Maoist surrenders and indicate a weakening of Maoist military leadership. 

Historical backgouund

• Originated from the 1967 Naxalbari uprising in West Bengal, beginning as a peasant movement inspired by Maoist ideology.
• The movement led to the formation of various Maoist groups fighting an armed rebellion against the Indian state.
• Spread across eastern, central, and southern India, covering many districts in states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh.
• At its peak in the late 2000s, the Red Corridor affected nearly 180 districts known for Naxalite-Maoist insurgency.
• The insurgency involved guerrilla warfare, extortion, attacks on security forces, destruction of infrastructure, and parallel governance.
• Naxalites gained influence in impoverished, underdeveloped regions where government presence was weak, sometimes acting as alternate authority.

Present Situation (2025):

• It has significantly shrunk due to government counter-insurgency operations and developmental efforts.
• As of March 2025, only about 18 districts across 7 states remain affected, down from 182 districts in 2013.
• The corridor is largely limited to parts of Central and Eastern India, with 6 districts classified as 'most affected'.
• Security forces have regained control over previously inaccessible areas; development activities have increased including roads, schools, hospitals, and banking.
• The government aims to eradicate Naxalism by 2026.
• The Red Corridor is transitioning from a conflict zone to growth corridors marked by infrastructure and social development.
• The Maoist insurgency’s strategic and operational capability has diminished considerably.

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