Top intel, security chiefs of states discuss ‘decisive blow’ in anti-Naxal ops

Raipur: A high-level inter-state meeting on Left-Wing Extremism, security and intelligence chiefs is being held in Chhattisgarh's Nava Raipur on Friday. Top officials of Intelligence Bureau, director general of police of LWE-affected states, CRPF, BSF and ITBP were present in the meeting to chalk out a broader plan to eliminate Naxalism by March 31, 2026, a target set by Union home minister Amit Shah. According to officials, the meeting was chaired by Union home secretary Govind Mohan and director intelligence bureau Tapan Kumar Deka, with DGs of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Telangana. "The responsibility on state police and central forces has increased significantly. The focus is on a decisive blow in the next 18 months," a senior officer said, adding that each and every minute is crucial from now on. The emphasis is on neutralising hideouts by choking movement across inter-state borders, said an officer. Discussions highlighted the Maoist activity along Chhattisgarh-Odisha, Chhattisgarh-Telangana, and Madhya Pradesh's Balaghat borders. Joint operations are expected to intensify in these regions, with plans for stronger inter-state coordination and quicker intelligence exchange mechanisms.