Naxals Won't Be a Major Topic of Discussion Post March 2026

With the Centre's target to eliminate Maoism from the country less than a year away, Sundarraj P, inspector general (IG) of Bastar range, who is leading the anti-Maoist operations in Chhattisgarh, sounded confident of meeting the March 31, 2026 deadline.

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NEW DELHI:

Edited excerpts of his interview to HT:

Security forces have in the past tried to eliminate Maoism. What is different this time?

I won't speak much about the political reasons but the fact that we have the same party ruling at the Centre and in the state has helped. There is a clear focus to get rid of the Naxal menace and greater synergy with regard to the political decisions. This is a fact that can't be denied.

Operationally, the main advantage is the work done over the years. By setting up camps and taking charge of areas in buffer areas, over the years, we were able to proceed to the core areas where most Naxals were operating. For example, we took over the core area of Maoist battalion number 1 from Basaguda to Pamer. We entered Abhujmad area in west Bastar division, where the Naxals were hiding. This led us to open launching bases and camps to operate against important Naxal formations. All these created a big dent.

How realistic is the March 31, 2026 target? Are you confident of meeting this deadline?

The operational outcome in the last 16-18 months has been encouraging. We are confident.

The morale of the forces is high; they are committed to the goal and are venturing even into the harshest terrain. The outcomes are brilliant. The synergy between state forces and paramilitary forces is the best. Once we started slicing their core areas, Naxals weakened and their movement has been blocked. They need a wide area or a safe corridor to operate, which they are not getting.

Besides, there are more boots on the ground. More CRPF troops have been inducted in core areas. We have regained the lost ground in places like south Sukma, south Bijapur, Abhujmad. All these factors indicate the target is achievable and realistic. Naxals won't be a major topic of discussion post March 31, 2026. There won't be any safe haven for them.