Bihar Declared ‘Naxal-Free’ State | 25 Feb 2026

Why in News?

The Government of Bihar has announced that the state is now Maoist-free following the surrender of senior Maoist rebel Suresh Koda alias Mustakim.

Key Points:

• Historical Context: Naxalism, rooted in the Maoist ideology of armed struggle, had been a significant internal security challenge in Bihar for decades, with incidents such as the 2005 Jahanabad prison attack underscoring the intensity of past insurgent actions. 
• Suresh Koda: He was a long-time Maoist commander operating in Bihar and Jharkhand regions and was among the most wanted rebels in the state.
• Koda surrendered before the Bihar Police Special Task Force (STF) in Munger district. 
• State Declaration: The Bihar government and police officials stated that there are now no active armed Maoist squads operating in any of the districts once affected by Naxalite insurgency, effectively making the state free from Maoist influence. 
• Rehabilitation Policy: Under the state’s surrender-cum-rehabilitation policy, Koda is expected to receive benefits including the declared reward of ₹3 lakh, an additional incentive of ₹5 lakh, and a monthly stipend for vocational training.
• Significance: The declaration of “Naxal-free” status after the surrender of a key Maoist leader is a noteworthy achievement in the state’s long fight against left-wing extremism. 
• This development reinforces the impact of coordinated security measures, rehabilitation policies, and sustained administrative efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability in affected regions.