RAIPUR: In a historic shift signaling the waning influence of Left-wing extremism in India, the Chhattisgarh government has announced the redeployment of its elite anti-Maoist forces. Commandos from the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and the Bastar Fighters are transitioning from specialized counter-insurgency operations to regular policing duties across the seven districts of the Bastar region.
A Transition of 4,000 Personnel
People familiar with the development confirmed that approximately 4,000 highly trained personnel will be stationed at local police stations throughout the region. For years, these units were the primary frontline defense against Maoist insurgents in the dense, hostile jungles of Bastar. Now, their mandate will expand to include maintaining law and order, crime prevention, and community engagement—tasks traditionally handled by local police forces.
The decision follows a sustained decline in insurgent activity, a trend officially recognized at the highest levels of the Indian government. During a session of Parliament on Monday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared that India is now effectively “Maoist-free,” a milestone attributed to years of intensified security operations, infrastructure development, and improved governance in historically troubled areas.
From Counter-Insurgency to Community Safety
The integration of these specialized units into the civilian police apparatus is expected to bolster the state’s presence in remote corners of Bastar. Officials believe that having seasoned commandos stationed locally will not only expedite responses to standard criminal activity but also foster greater trust between the state machinery and the local populace, who have long been caught in the crossfire of the conflict.
This move effectively marks the “last mile” of the state’s anti-Maoist strategy, moving away from a war-footing posture and toward a sustainable framework for peace and regional development as the region enters a new era of normalcy.