State, Centre intensify finalpush to end Naxalism by ’26

 

 

THE fight against Naxalism has entered a decisive phase, with both State and Central Governments intensifying efforts to crush insurgency in Bastar. As part of this renewed push, the discreet arrival of four CRPF battalions in Raipur and their deployment to undisclosed locations in Bastar has been completed. According to sources in the Anti-Naxal Operations (ANO) Wing at Police Headquarters (PHQ), three battalions from Jharkhand and one from Bihar have been deployed to Chhattisgarh, with further movement to undisclosed locations in South Bastar—a highly classified operation. This deployment is part of a broader strategy led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, and Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, with the goal of eliminating Naxalism by March 2026.

 

“The aim is to establish a stronghold in Bastar’s most remote areas and ensure the government’s timeline for Naxal eradication is met,” said well-placed sources in the ANO Wing. The newly arrived CRPF battalions—159, 218, 214, and 22—each consisting of approximately 800 personnel, will be stationed in areas such as Dantewada and Sukma, as well as along the tri-junction borders with Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. The CRPF is also coordinating closely with CoBRA units to establish additional Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) to support these operations. “In the past three years, around 40 FOBs have been established, which will be crucial in this phase of operations,” sources noted further. The goal is to strengthen the logistical framework and enhance the reach of anti-Naxal campaigns in Bastar’s hinterlands. Amit Shah’s recent visit to Raipur, where he declared that “the battle against Naxalism is now in its final phase,” laid the groundwork for this latest deployment. Following his visit, the arrival of CRPF reinforcements, supported by advanced technology and aerial resources provided by the state police and the Air Force, has already begun reshaping the operational landscape.

 

This strategy is expected to deliver a significant blow to the remaining Naxal elements. The ANO Wing’s sources explained that the decision to deploy battalions from Jharkhand and Bihar was based on the reduced level of Naxal violence in those states, making these forces available for transfer to Chhattisgarh, where operations are intensifying. “Chhattisgarh remains the focal point of the anti-Naxal drive, and the presence of these battalions will ensure progress towards eradicating the insurgency in Bastar,” commented a senior officer, who wished to remain anonymous. In the past ten days, security forces have killed 18 Naxals, including three women in Narayanpur and nine militants in the Bailadila hills of restive Dantewada district.

 

This brings the total number of Naxals neutralized in the past eight months to 152, reflecting the sustained success of anti-Naxal operations. However, the battle remains challenging, especially in South Bastar, where difficult terrain and dense forests provide cover for Naxal factions. Sources in the ANO Wing emphasized the importance of continued coordination between state and central forces. . “These deployments are just the beginning. We expect further reinforcements and sustained efforts to solidify control over southern Bastar,” they said. With the arrival of new battalions and the establishment of additional FOBs, the government is optimistic about delivering a decisive blow to the remaining Naxal presence.