CRPF Intensifies Operations in Bastar, Aiming for a Naxalism-Free India by 2026

 

In a decisive move to combat Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is deploying over 4,000 personnel to Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, a hotbed for Maoist insurgencies.

 

This deployment follows Union Home Minister Amit Shah's ambitious target to make India completely free from Naxalism by March 2026.

 

The move comes after the government reported significant progress in reducing Maoist violence and terrorism over the last decade.

 

The new deployment includes four CRPF battalions, drawn from regions like Jharkhand and Bihar, where Maoist activity has considerably declined.

 

These forces, along with CoBRA units, specialised in jungle warfare, are set to conduct large-scale anti-insurgency operations in Bastar’s remote and densely forested areas, particularly in districts such as Dantewada and Sukma.

 

Bastar has been the epicentre of Maoist activity for decades, and despite a reduction in violence nationwide, this region remains volatile.

 

Maoists exploit the challenging terrain of south Bastar, employing guerrilla tactics to ambush security forces, making the area highly dangerous for anti-Maoist operations.

 

Despite these challenges, recent years have seen a decline in Maoist-related incidents, with the number of violent incidents dropping by over 50% between 2014 and 2024.

 

The deaths of security personnel and civilians due to Maoist violence have also seen a sharp decline.

 

Amit Shah, during a meeting in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, on August 24, highlighted that the security forces have achieved a 70% reduction in casualties among their personnel and a 69% reduction in civilian deaths.

 

He emphasised that the final stages of this long-standing battle against Naxalism are now underway.

 

Shah further pointed out that CRPF’s forward operating bases (FOBs) are instrumental in reclaiming Maoist-dominated areas and paving the way for development projects like road construction, which are crucial for sustaining long-term peace in the region.

 

The government’s intensified focus on Bastar marks a shift in strategy from defensive measures to proactive area dominance.

 

The CRPF’s new deployments are bolstered by technological support, including UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) and armoured vehicles, to counter Maoist attacks, which often involve improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ambushes.

 

The Maoists’ use of guerrilla warfare has caused substantial casualties among security forces in the past, but the government’s renewed push aims to cut off Maoist supply lines, dismantle their strongholds, and limit their recruitment efforts.

 

While the government’s strategy is predominantly militaristic, it also recognizes the importance of infrastructure development in securing long-term stability.

 

By establishing more FOBs in remote regions, the CRPF aims to bring basic services and infrastructure development to these marginalised areas, which Maoists have long controlled due to the lack of government presence.

 

This latest offensive comes as part of a larger national strategy that seeks to address the root causes of Naxalism, including underdevelopment and social alienation in Janjatiya areas.

 

By March 2026, the government hopes not only to eradicate the Maoist threat but also to integrate these regions into the national mainstream through economic and social development.

 

Despite the positive momentum, experts warn that continued success will require sustained resource allocation and a focus on technology, including the use of helicopters for mobility in inaccessible terrains.

 

The challenges of south Bastar’s hostile environment remain significant, but with renewed efforts from the CRPF and government, the long-standing threat of Naxalism may finally be nearing its end.

 

The deployment of 4,000 additional troops to Bastar marks a critical juncture in India’s battle against Naxalism.