New Delhi- As India approaches the deadline to eliminate the Naxal menace, central security forces are gradually shifting strategy. With the Maoist threat reducing significantly in forested regions, officials say state police will soon play a larger operational role while central forces begin a calibrated drawdown.
Authorities stress that while they are confident of neutralising the remaining Naxalites, extreme caution is needed to prevent any revival. A complete withdrawal of central forces is not planned, but troop numbers will be reduced in phases, officials confirmed.
Urban Naxalism Emerging as New Focus Area
While the situation in jungle strongholds improves, intelligence agencies warn that Maoist ideology is now attempting to take root in India’s major cities. The recent India Gate protest has strengthened these concerns.
Investigations have revealed that some members of the Bhagat Singh Chatra Ekta Manch (BSCEM), the organisers of the protest, may have links to Naxal groups. One of its key members, E.R. Akshay, is reportedly connected to the Maoist movement. Police recovered videos related to Naxal operations and conversations discussing the killing of top Maoist leader Madvi Hidma from his phone.
Officials say the ideological push in urban areas has already begun and may spread nationwide. During the protests, although the primary agenda was pollution, a poster condemning Hidma’s killing with the slogan “Lal Salam” appeared. Authorities believe protesters deliberately provoked the police to frame themselves as victims and spark similar demonstrations elsewhere.
“This is a dangerous trend,” an official said, noting that such protests could turn violent. With the Maoists losing ground in forests, they appear to be shifting their focus to influencing urban populations through social movements and high-visibility issues.
Security Audits in Maoist-Hit Regions
Comprehensive security audits are underway in Naxal-affected districts. Officials are evaluating whether the current large deployment of central forces is still necessary.
While troop reduction is likely in the coming months, a full withdrawal is not being considered. Central forces will continue supporting state police until they are fully capable of independent operations.
Security experts say close coordination between states will be crucial, as some remaining Maoists may attempt to move across borders to evade tracking.
Naxal Threat Expected to End Before 2026
Though the official target for ending the Naxal problem is March 2026, agencies believe the threat could be neutralised earlier. Even so, officials advise remaining vigilant as a small number of Maoists may still be in hiding.
While forest operations continue, intelligence agencies say the battle is increasingly shifting to urban centers, where various groups are attempting to keep the ideology alive and create unrest.
With inputs from IANS