Chhattisgarh Sets Timeline for Withdrawal of Central Forces from Bastar Region
In a significant development for security operations in Chhattisgarh, state home minister and deputy chief minister Vijay Sharma announced on Tuesday that most Central paramilitary forces deployed in the Bastar region could begin withdrawing by March 31, 2027. This timeline follows the state's publicly declared target of ending armed Naxalism by March 31, 2026.
Security Roadmap and Current Focus
"We are at present focused on the March 31, 2026 deadline," Sharma stated during his address in Raipur. "Union home minister Amit Shah has also said that by March 31, 2027, Central armed forces would start returning from Chhattisgarh. By then, we have to put a complete security arrangement in place."
The minister provided a clear assessment of the current security situation, revealing that the Maoist insurgency in Bastar has been substantially weakened. He detailed that of the 30 Maoist area committees that once operated in the region, 26 are now dormant. The remaining four committees, located in south and west Bastar, are actively being targeted for elimination.
Shift in Strategy and Operational Status
Sharma indicated a strategic shift in the government's approach, moving from targeting symbolic leaders to establishing lasting territorial control. While security agencies continue to track senior Maoist leader Papa Rao, the minister emphasized that the larger objective is ensuring the area becomes free of armed insurgent control, regardless of whether individual leaders are captured immediately.
Regarding the current strength of Maoist forces, Sharma estimated that only 50 to 60 Maoists might still remain in the forests, with their exact operational status unclear. "We are not even sure how many remain armed," he admitted. "Many have thrown away uniforms, buried weapons and are living in villages like civilians."
Financial Considerations and Assembly Debate
Earlier in the assembly session, Sharma faced sharp questioning from leader of opposition Charandas Mahant regarding financial matters related to Central force deployment. Mahant demanded clarification on reports that the Centre had sought Rs 21,530 crore from Chhattisgarh towards expenditure on deployment of Central paramilitary forces in the state.
The opposition leader asked under which budget head the state proposed to make this payment and requested a detailed break-up of the expenditure, arguing that such a substantial liability should be thoroughly explained to the House.
In response, Sharma stated that the matter is currently at the stage of final settlement. He clarified that the final decision on payment would be taken by the chief minister and finance minister, while maintaining that this financial obligation would not place any major burden on the state's finances.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
This announcement represents a crucial phase in Chhattisgarh's long-standing efforts to combat Left Wing Extremism. The proposed withdrawal timeline suggests growing confidence in the state's security apparatus and the effectiveness of recent counter-insurgency operations.
As the state works toward its 2026 target of ending armed Naxalism, the planned reduction of Central forces by 2027 marks a potential transition toward greater state-level security management in one of India's most challenging conflict zones.
