Palamu, Jharkhand — Once infamous as a stronghold of Maoist insurgents, Palamu appears to be shedding its reputation as the “den of Maoists.” With the Naxalite movement losing momentum in the district, a combination of constant vigilance, strategic police measures, and community engagement is slowly driving insurgents and their sympathizers out of the region.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has already declared that India will be free of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) by March 2026, indicating the final battle against Maoist forces is approaching — and it will be ruthless. On the ground, Palamu is witnessing a significant decline in Naxalite activities, signaling a major shift in the district’s security landscape.
A Multi-Pronged Approach
According to Palamu Superintendent of Police (SP) Rishma Rameshan, apart from conventional tactics like combing operations, an innovative strategy that has proven successful in weakening Naxalite influence is the issuance of character certificates for suspected Maoist sympathizers. These certificates, part of a larger police initiative, are issued to local residents who seek employment or educational opportunities. The verification process serves not only as a means of promoting legal employment but also as a tool to screen for individuals with links to criminal or insurgent activities.
“Character certificates and strict police verification are scaring away anti-social elements and Naxalites in various parts of Palamu. People in the Naxal-affected areas are increasingly staying away from criminal activities and distancing themselves from Maoist sympathies,” Rameshan stated. “Given the challenge of keeping the villagers connected to the mainstream, these measures are proving to be effective.”
Record Number of Character Certificates Issued
A striking figure highlights the success of this initiative: in 2024, by December 10, a total of 6,501 people in Palamu have received character certificates — a remarkable surge compared to previous years. This is up from just 2,500 people in the pre-COVID era. Police records show that a total of 2,300 police verifications have been carried out in the district, with several companies from across India writing to the police for verification before hiring.
Historically, during the peak of the Naxalite insurgency, Palamu was a hotspot for Maoist violence, and villagers were often coerced into supporting the movement. However, a shift in community behavior has been observed. Youths seeking jobs are now more cautious about their involvement in criminal activities, realizing that aligning with Naxalites could jeopardize their employment prospects.
Sharp Decline in Naxalite Activity
The success of the character certificate initiative coincides with a sharp drop in Naxalite violence and support. According to police reports, the number of active Maoists in Palamu, which once numbered in the dozens, has dwindled significantly. While there were 59 Naxalites operating in the district until 2016-17, that number has now been reduced to just two.
Similarly, the number of villages that once hosted multiple Maoist sympathizers has dropped drastically. In many areas, where 12 to 15 people were once identified as supporters of the Naxalites, the numbers have fallen to zero. As per police estimates, there were 60 to 70 Naxalite-related incidents per year until 2020, but that number has plummeted to just 13 in the last two years.
Impact of Character Certificates on Naxal Sympathizers
The success of character certificates has been particularly impactful in reducing local support for the insurgents. Surendra Yadav, a local expert on Naxalism, pointed out that in the past, Maoists had relied heavily on local villagers for shelter, food, and logistical support. However, as more villagers are required to obtain character certificates to secure jobs, their affiliation with Maoists has become a liability.
“Maoist sympathizers have faced hurdles in getting certificates for jobs, which has led to a shift in their loyalties,” Yadav said. “The realization that they could be blocked from employment or education due to their past activities has made many rethink their support for the insurgents.”
The Character Certificate Process
The character certificate process is an essential part of employment and educational systems in Palamu. To obtain a certificate, applicants must first seek approval from their ward commissioner, panchayat representative, or local chowkidar. After submitting their application, individuals are sent to the local police station for verification. Police cross-check the individual’s background using the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS), a national database that helps ensure the accuracy of the process.
Once verified, the certificate is issued with the signature of the SP or a nodal officer. If an individual has any pending criminal cases, it is duly noted on the application.
Police Verification for Employment
In addition to character certificates, another key part of ensuring public safety and reducing Naxalite influence is police verification for job applicants. Many employers, especially in South and North India, now require police verification before hiring employees from Palamu. This verification ensures that the job seekers have no criminal record and that they are not linked to anti-social activities or extremist groups.
A Turning Point for Palamu
The combination of strategic police measures, including the character certificate initiative, and community cooperation has clearly had a transformative impact on Palamu. With the district’s youth opting for employment over insurgency, the region is witnessing a reduction in Naxalite activity, marking a hopeful chapter in the fight against Left Wing Extremism in Jharkhand.
As the battle against Maoists continues across India, Palamu’s success offers a model for other Naxal-affected regions looking to reintegrate communities into the mainstream and curb the spread of extremism.