The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has drawn up a meticulous plan for what could be the last leg of security forces’ battle with Naxal outfits, News18 has learnt. Guided by a multifaceted approach that combines police forces’ precision with community engagement, the plan is aimed at wiping off Naxal insurgency to ensure a lasting victory.
Bijapur and Sukma districts in Chhattisgarh have been the major battlegrounds for anti-Naxal operations and the CRPF is now moving forward with the establishment of 24 additional Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) to fortify its presence in the region affected and dominated by Naxals, top sources told News18.
In October this year, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had declared that Left Wing Extremism (LWE) will be totally eliminated from the country in two years and had stressed the need for constant surveillance in the areas freed from Naxals to thwart any resurgence.
A senior official, who attended a meeting where the enhancement of operational efficiency was discussed, said the CRPF has also brainstormed the creation of a dedicated Sector and two additional Operational Ranges with the clear goal of strategically monitoring, curbing and ending Naxal activities.
News18 has learnt that the top brass has taken inspiration from successful campaigns in Bihar and Jharkhand, and that CRPF officials proposed an aggressive approach to gain the upper hand over Naxals a recent high-level meeting.
The approach involves not only a shift in tactics, but also a comprehensive training program for new recruits. Language proficiency, familiarity with local terrain, insight into handling improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and reaching out to more locals have been planned to reach deep into Naxal-dominated areas.
Top officials claimed that the force, while recognizing the importance of adapting to the nuances of the terrain, will emphasise on making troops intimately familiar with the area. Specialized training will be given to the ground commanders. The development of a sniper team has also been discussed among key initiatives to enhance the force’s capabilities.
More importantly, cognizant of the significance of winning hearts and minds, the CRPF is aiming to bridge the gap with the local population.
During the meeting, it was also discussed that the CRPF will seek help from locals given the invaluable role they could play in intelligence gathering and establishing a strong rapport with the community.
Chairing a meeting to review the security situation in LWE-affected states on October 6, Amit Shah had said that with the determination of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the cooperation of all states affected by Left Wing Extremism, major successes have been achieved against Naxalism in 2022 and 2023.
“He said Left Wing Extremism will be completely uprooted in next two years… Amit Shah said that vacuum areas have been shrinking since 2019, we have established 195 new camps of CAPFs, and 44 more new camps will be established. Amit Shah said that the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) against Left-Wing Extremism, rationalization of development and setting up camps in vacuum areas are the priorities of the Modi government,” the MHA had said.
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