VIF releases book on Maoist insurgency in Hyderabad, examines security challenges
Hyderabad: The Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF), New Delhi, released a book on Maoist insurgency in Hyderabad on Wednesday, examining security challenges, organisational networks and rehabilitation policies.
Titled India’s Maoists: Glimpses into Red Insurgency, the publication was authored by internal security expert Dr. P. V. Ramana. The launch took place at the ICCC Auditorium in Banjara Hills on October 28. Senior police officers, security experts and other dignitaries attended the programme.
The participants discussed counterinsurgency measures, development in affected districts and the challenges of preventing renewed Maoist activity.
Book on Maoist insurgency examines security operations
Telangana State Security Advisor and former DGP B. Shivadhar Reddy highlighted cooperation between government departments and security agencies in containing Maoism. He said coordinated institutional efforts had contributed to countering the insurgency.
Additionally, he identified constitutional values, social justice and Ambedkarite ideology as important influences in countering Maoist propaganda. According to Shivadhar Reddy, these factors had encouraged communities to adopt democratic governance instead of extremist approaches.
Former Andhra Pradesh DGP Ch. Dwaraka Tirumala Rao addressed the security challenges that could emerge during the transition from counterinsurgency operations. He stressed the need for continued vigilance and careful planning before withdrawing Central Armed Police Forces from affected areas.
He also recommended establishing new Forward Operating Bases and recovering weapons and explosives looted by Maoist groups. Furthermore, Rao called for dismantling urban Maoist networks and disrupting their financial channels.
He cautioned against allowing historically affected districts to experience renewed insurgent activity. Rao emphasised that lasting peace required development, responsive governance and greater economic inclusion alongside security measures.
Book examines Maoist networks and rehabilitation policies
Dr. Ramana said the book on Maoist insurgency examined the organisational structure and activities of the Communist Party of India (Maoist). The publication analysed the organisation’s mass fronts, urban networks, women cadres and connections in northeastern India.
It also examined financial networks and clandestine locations used to conceal weapons and cash. Additionally, the book reviewed major Maoist attacks, ambushes and unsuccessful peace negotiations.
The author assessed shortcomings in existing surrender and rehabilitation policies for former insurgents. Ramana said the publication drew on field research conducted since 2004 and interviews with security personnel and surrendered Maoist cadres.
It also incorporated developments during 2025 and 2026 to examine changes in the insurgency and counterinsurgency response. Dr. Ramana recommended a Public, Private and People Partnership (PPPP) model to accelerate development in areas affected by Maoist violence.
He proposed improving rehabilitation benefits for surrendered cadres and expanding housing assistance and land support. Moreover, he called for financial training and faster disposal of pending legal cases involving former insurgents.
The author suggested involving village collectives in local infrastructure projects to improve community participation. He also recommended employment opportunities for indigenous residents in development activities.
Ramana urged authorities to direct Corporate Social Responsibility funds and District Mineral Foundation resources towards communities affected by the insurgency. His proposals included improving healthcare facilities and access to safe drinking water.
Additionally, he recommended expanding Eklavya schools to strengthen educational opportunities in affected regions. He also supported greater local-language media coverage of successful rehabilitation initiatives.
Senior police officers attend Hyderabad book launch
Several senior police officers and public figures attended the release of the book on Maoist insurgency. The participants included DGP (Law and Order) Mahesh M. Bhagwat and DGP (Operations) Anil Kumar.
Hyderabad City Police Commissioner V. C. Sajjanar and Telangana Today Editor K. Sreenivas Reddy also attended. Other dignitaries joined the programme, which brought together serving and retired police officials.
Dr. Ramana, who writes on Left-Wing Extremism at VIF, holds a Ph.D. from Jawaharlal Nehru University. He has authored and edited several publications examining Maoism and Naxalism. He has also contributed to policy discussions concerning surrender and rehabilitation programmes for former Maoist cadres.