Phased Security Pullback From Maoist Areas Likely From Late April

New Delhi: The Centre is preparing a structured plan to gradually scale down the presence of security forces in Left Wing Extremism affected regions, with the first phase of withdrawals expected to begin in the final week of April. Senior officials indicate that the roadmap is nearing completion, with an internal deadline set for March 30 to finalise the strategy.
Under the proposed plan, most Central Armed Police Forces, including the Border Security Force and the Indo Tibetan Border Police, will progressively redeploy from the shrinking Maoist affected zones. The Central Reserve Police Force will continue to operate in these areas, though its responsibilities are expected to be recalibrated to anchor a revised security grid.
Officials emphasise that the withdrawal will be carefully sequenced rather than abrupt. Priority districts have been identified for the initial phase, and a district wise transition plan is being prepared to prevent security gaps or any resurgence of extremist activity. Periodic assessments will determine subsequent rounds of redeployment until a complete exit is achieved.
The move follows a marked decline in Left Wing Extremism over the past decade. Government data indicates that the number of affected districts has reduced from 126 in 2018 to eight by December 2025, with only three categorised as the most impacted. Incidents of violence have fallen sharply since their peak in 2010, alongside a significant drop in casualties among civilians and security personnel.
As security conditions stabilise, the government is pivoting towards a development led strategy in the remaining affected areas. Field teams are expected to visit remote villages to assess infrastructure gaps and prepare targeted development plans for the upcoming financial year. The broader objective is to transition from a primarily combat oriented approach to one that combines sustained security with rehabilitation and reconstruction.
Authorities describe the phased drawdown not as a retreat, but as progress toward the goal of eliminating Naxal influence nationwide by March 2026.