Amit Shah Announces Major CRPF Deployment to Fight Naxalism in Bastar

Union Home Minister Amit Shah plans to eradicate naxalism by March 2026, deploying four CRPF battalions to Bastar. Shah highlights a significant reduction in security personnel casualties and promises comprehensive measures for area dominance. The initiative aims to bolster anti-insurgency efforts in Chhattisgarh and neighboring states affected by left-wing extremism.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has announced an ambitious plan to rid the country of naxalism by March 2026, deploying four battalions of the Central Reserve Police Forces (CRPF) to Bastar. Each battalion comprises 4000 CRPF personnel dedicated to anti-insurgency operations.

During an inter-state coordination meeting on August 24 with Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Chief Secretaries, and Director Generals of Police from Chhattisgarh and neighboring states, Shah noted a 70 percent reduction in the deaths of security personnel due to naxalism. He stated that the fight had reached its final phase, expressing confidence that the country would be completely free from naxalism by March 2026.

Addressing the preparations for the incoming CRPF personnel, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma emphasized the commitment to establishing area dominance against naxalism. Sharma assured that comprehensive measures would be implemented under the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai to control the situation within a reasonable timeframe.

(With inputs from agencies.)