In the dense jungles of Bastar, Chhattisgarh, the name Madvi Hidma struck fear for years. Always seen with an AK-47 rifle, his fellow insurgents also brandished advanced rifles like INSAS and SLR. These are military and police weapons. The big question is, how do these lethal arms reach the diminishing ranks of Naxals?
This enigma has been slowly unraveled thanks to security force successes. In a recent encounter in the forests of Andhra Pradesh, Hidma, his wife Raje, and four accomplices were killed. Two AK-47s, pistols, and other rifles were seized. A bounty of 10 million rupees had been placed on Hidma's head as he masterminded 26 major attacks, including the 2010 Dantewada attack (76 soldiers martyred) and the 2013 Jhiram Ghati attack.
Defense experts and government reports (such as those from the Home Ministry, SATP, and NIA) reveal the prime sources of Naxal weaponry...
Source: aajtak
Looting from Police and Security Forces (Top Source)
Naxals attack police camps or patrols and loot weapons. Most AK-47s, INSAS, and SLR rifles are obtained this way. Thousands of weapons have been looted in past assaults. However, with stronger security forces, the rate of looting has decreased, although remaining Naxals still resort to it.
Homemade Manufacturing (Makeshift Factories)
In Bihar, UP, and MP, illegal units manufacture replicas of AK-47s. Naxals even construct weapons with lathes deep within the forests. This year, during a Chhattisgarh encounter, an underground weapon factory was discovered in a tunnel akin to those used by Hamas.
Purchasing or Smuggling
Previously, Naxals acquired arms from northeastern insurgents (such as ULFA, NSCN) or Sri Lanka's LTTE. Weapons also came across the Nepal border. Funding has now ceased due to crackdowns on extortion and tendu leaf money, coupled with digital payments and actions by ED-NIA.
Recovered from Surrenderers
When Naxals surrender, they hand over their weapons. Yet, some hide a portion for future use. This year, thousands of Naxals surrendered, yielding hundreds of weapons, including AK-47s.
Source: aajtak
Brigadier BK Ponwar (former Director of the Jungle Warfare College) asserts that the prime weapon for Naxals now is the IED, but rifles are still looted or locally produced. However, their supply chain is entirely disrupted.
Home Ministry officials reveal more than 200 Naxals were neutralized and thousands surrendered in 2024-25. Due to weapon shortages, they are now on the run, and Naxalism is expected to be eradicated by March 2026.
This year, Abujhmad and North Bastar in Chhattisgarh were declared free of Naxal influence, with only a few remaining in South Bastar. Hidma's elimination is deemed the 'final nail in the coffin' of Naxalism. Following his demise, PLGA Battalion-1 (the most formidable unit) is significantly weakened.
Although Naxals once had thousands of modern weapons, they now grapple with severe shortages. Government strategies, including increased camps, drones, funding cuts, and a robust surrender policy, are proving effective. Not even a ruthless commander like Hidma could escape with an AK-47. In the coming days, remaining Naxals will either surrender or face extinction.
