Battle Against Naxalism In Spotlight, Centre Relieves Retained CAPFs From J&K

Last Updated:September 23, 2025, 10:10 IST

Senior officers confirmed that large-scale, decisive operations are being planned in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Maharashtra—states that continue to report Maoist activity

Sources added that Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha would receive particular attention, as central agencies have recently tracked the presence of several Maoist leaders in these regions. (PTI)

The Centre has ordered the withdrawal of nearly 80 per cent of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) companies that had remained in Jammu and Kashmir after the Amarnath Yatra. Officials said the redeployment is part of a broader strategy to strengthen operations against Left-Wing Extremism, with more troops expected to move into the ‘Red Zone’ in the coming weeks.

According to a recent communication, the Union Home Ministry has instructed security forces to retain a limited presence in J&K while releasing the rest back to their base for fresh deployment. The move, sources said, aligns with the ministry’s target of eliminating Naxalism from the country by March 31, 2026, a goal repeatedly emphasised by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The renewed focus is on intensifying operations against the banned CPI (Maoist), particularly targeting its Central Committee leadership to weaken the organisation’s command structure. Senior officers confirmed that large-scale, decisive operations are being planned in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Maharashtra—states that continue to report Maoist activity.

Sources added that Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha would receive particular attention, as central agencies have recently tracked the presence of several Maoist leaders in these regions. Plans for area domination will also adopt new tactical approaches, officials noted.

Meanwhile, in Jammu and Kashmir, counter-insurgency operations continue under the Indian Army, local police, and CAPFs, but no additional troop reinforcements are currently planned. The immediate priority, officials said, has shifted to the Maoist-affected belt.

Two Senior Maoist Leaders Killed

Underscoring this aggressive approach, security forces achieved a major breakthrough in Chhattisgarh’s Abhujmad forests on Sunday. Two senior CPI (Maoist) Central Committee members—Raju Dada alias Katta Ramachandra Reddy (63) and Kosa Dada alias Kadari Satyanarayana Reddy (67)—were killed in an encounter near the Chhattisgarh–Maharashtra border.

Both carried bounties of Rs 40 lakh each and were long-time members of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee, accused of orchestrating several deadly attacks on security forces and civilians over three decades.

From the encounter site, troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, an INSAS rifle, a BGL launcher, explosives, and Maoist literature. Officials hailed the operation as a “major setback” to the Maoist outfit and a sign of the Centre’s renewed push to dismantle its presence in core strongholds.

About the Author

Ankur Sharma

With over 15 years of journalistic experience, Ankur Sharma, Associate Editor, specializes in internal security and is tasked with providing comprehensive coverage from the Ministry of Home Affairs, paramilitar…Read More

With over 15 years of journalistic experience, Ankur Sharma, Associate Editor, specializes in internal security and is tasked with providing comprehensive coverage from the Ministry of Home Affairs, paramilitar… Read More

Read More

Go to Source