Maoists – Government Plans Phased Security Force Withdrawal
Maoists – The Union government is preparing a carefully structured plan to gradually scale down the presence of central security forces in regions once severely affected by left-wing extremism, following sustained operations against Maoist groups.
Phased Exit Linked to Security Assessment
According to senior officials, the strategy will involve a step-by-step redeployment of central forces, ensuring that security gains achieved over the past several years remain intact. The Central Reserve Police Force is expected to take a leading role in maintaining stability during this transition phase. Meanwhile, personnel from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police and the Border Security Force are likely to be withdrawn in stages beginning late April, depending on on-ground evaluations.
Authorities emphasised that the withdrawal process will not be abrupt. Instead, districts identified as relatively stable will be prioritised, while sensitive zones will continue to see a strong security presence. A comprehensive district-wise roadmap is being drafted to prevent any operational vacuum that could allow extremist groups to regroup.
A senior official from the Ministry of Home Affairs noted that maintaining order remains the immediate objective. Reductions in troop strength, he said, would be measured and reversible if necessary.
Security Gains Mark a Turning Point
The recalibration of forces follows what officials describe as significant progress in counter-insurgency operations. Security agencies have dismantled key Maoist networks and disrupted logistical channels that once sustained extremist activities across multiple states.
Government data indicates that the geographical spread of left-wing extremism has reduced considerably. In 2018, as many as 126 districts were classified as affected. By December 2025, that number had declined to eight, with only three districts now listed under the “most affected” category.
Violence linked to Maoist activity has also shown a steep decline. Compared to the peak year of 2010, incidents have dropped by 88 percent. Fatalities among civilians and security personnel have decreased by 90 percent over the same period.
So far in 2025, security operations have resulted in the neutralisation of 317 Maoist operatives. In addition, 862 individuals have been arrested, while 1,973 have surrendered under rehabilitation policies, reflecting a shift in ground realities.
Shift Toward Development-Focused Engagement
Officials indicated that the evolving security posture is aligned with a broader policy transition. With violence levels significantly lower, the focus is gradually moving toward long-term development and governance in previously disturbed areas.
Government teams are expected to visit remote villages in the coming months to conduct field surveys and identify gaps in infrastructure, healthcare, education and connectivity. These findings will inform a structured development blueprint for the upcoming financial year.
The aim is to ensure that improved security conditions translate into tangible economic and social progress. Authorities believe that sustained development will further reduce the appeal of extremist ideologies.
Balancing Stability and Withdrawal
While optimism surrounds the improved security environment, officials remain cautious. They stressed that the phased drawdown will be closely monitored, with periodic assessments guiding future decisions. Any sign of resurgence would prompt a review of troop deployment.
The long-term approach, according to officials, seeks to move beyond a predominantly combat-driven model. The objective is to combine security stabilisation with rehabilitation measures, employment opportunities and infrastructure development.
As the government considers the next steps, the emphasis remains on preserving the gains achieved through years of coordinated security operations. The coming months will test whether reduced troop presence and increased development initiatives can consolidate peace in areas that once faced persistent unrest.