CRPF deploys 4,000 personnel in Bastar for “decisive battle” against Naxals by 2026
- In Reports
- 01:59 PM, Sep 09, 2024
- Myind Staff
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has deployed four battalions, comprising over 4,000 personnel, to the most Naxal-affected regions of Bastar in Chhattisgarh as part of a strategy to launch a "decisive battle" to eliminate the Maoist insurgency by March 2026. This move aligns with the Union government’s renewed resolve to end Left Wing Extremism (LWE), which Home Minister Amit Shah termed a major internal security threat.
During a press conference in Raipur last month, Shah emphasised that a "strong and ruthless" approach was required to rid the country of LWE. He added that the battle has reached its final stage, and the government aims to eradicate Maoist violence by March 2026.
Official sources confirmed that the CRPF, which leads India’s anti-Naxal operations, has withdrawn three battalions from Jharkhand and one from Bihar for deployment in Bastar, located 450-500 kilometres south of Raipur. The decision was made after a notable decrease in Naxal violence in Jharkhand and Bihar. “These battalions can be better utilised in Chhattisgarh, where the anti-Naxal operations are now concentrated,” the sources said.
The CRPF’s 159, 218, 214, and 22 battalions have been deployed to add manpower in Chhattisgarh’s LWE areas, particularly in the far-flung districts of Dantewada and Sukma, and along the tri-junction border with Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. Each battalion has an operational strength of approximately 1,000 personnel.
A senior CRPF officer in Delhi stated that these battalions will collaborate with the CRPF’s specialised CoBRA units to establish forward operating bases (FOBs) in remote districts, enabling development work once the areas are secured. Over the past three years, the force has created about 40 FOBs in Chhattisgarh. However, setting up these bases involves challenges, such as ambushes and improvised explosive device (IED) attacks by Maoists.
“These new units are being supported with armoured vehicles, UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), dog squads, communication sets, and ration supplies. The objective is to penetrate 'no-go' territories and unchartered areas of Bastar to eliminate the LWE menace by the March 2026 deadline set by the government,” the officer said.
Another officer highlighted that the southern Bastar region, one of the most challenging zones for anti-Naxal operations, will require continuous technology, helicopter, and resource support. He noted that the CRPF has faced the highest casualties in this region and stressed the importance of logistical support, including roads, helipads, and communication facilities, to ensure the success of these operations.
A former CRPF commander added that higher command and state government responsiveness will be crucial for meeting the Centre's 2026 deadline. "The CRPF, as the lead force, must deliver the final blow to LWE," he said.
Currently, the CRPF, which is India’s largest paramilitary force with around 3.25 lakh personnel, has deployed 40 battalions in Chhattisgarh, including the four newly repositioned units. The force is also supported by its CoBRA personnel, who specialise in jungle warfare.
CRPF operations in Chhattisgarh have seen an increase in Maoist casualties, with 153 Naxals killed in encounters this year alone. During his August 24 press conference, Shah highlighted that Naxal violence incidents have dropped by 53% in the country between 2014-2024 compared to 2004-2014, with reported incidents declining from 16,274 to 7,696. Similarly, deaths due to Maoist violence decreased from 6,568 in 2004-2014 to 1,990 in 2014-2024.
"Now, the battle has reached its final stage. We believe we will be able to free the country from Left Wing Extremism by March 2026," Shah reiterated.
Image source: PTI
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