ITBP 27th Battalion Named Best Anti-Naxal Unit

A Landmark Recognition in India’s Counter-Insurgency Landscape

In a major acknowledgment of India’s intensified counter-insurgency campaign, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police’s (ITBP) 27th Battalion has been conferred the prestigious title of Best Anti-Naxal Battalion. This accolade underscores the unit’s exemplary blend of strategic combat efficiency and humanitarian outreach across the Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected zones of Chhattisgarh.

What Is the Best Anti-Naxal Battalion Award?

The Moment of Honour

The award was formally presented during the ITBP Raising Day parade in Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir, where ITBP Director-General Praveen Kumar handed the citation and trophy to outgoing Commandant Vivek Kumar Pandey and incoming Commandant B. P. Badaya. The recognition shines a spotlight on the battalion’s impactful presence in the Mohla-Manpur region located near Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli and Chhattisgarh’s Kanker districts. The announcement came in November 2025, aligning with India’s national objective of eliminating the Naxal threat by March 2026.

Why the 27th Battalion Stood Out

1. Precision and Success in Combat Operations

The battalion has spearheaded decisive counter-insurgency missions, including the elimination of two high-ranking Maoist leaders in August 2025 — Vijay Reddy, a State Zonal Committee member, and Lokesh Salame, Secretary of the RKB Division. Over the past two years, their operations neutralised nine additional top Maoist figures, disrupted logistics networks, and facilitated key arrests and surrenders. These achievements significantly weakened the insurgent structure in the region.

2. Deep Community Outreach and Welfare Initiatives

Beyond battlefield victories, the battalion has excelled in public engagement. It established a full-fledged Field Hospital and the area’s first Veterinary Field Hospital, offering critical services to more than 6,000 villagers and thousands of livestock across nearly 35 tribal villages. Career counselling programmes enabled several tribal youths to clear competitive exams for state police and staff selection posts. The battalion’s 2025 Diwali celebrations in remote hamlets marked the first-ever festival experience for many residents, strengthening community trust.

3. Operating in a Strategically Sensitive Terrain

The Mohla-Manpur zone remains a long-standing Maoist stronghold, with dense forests and border proximity to Gadchiroli making security operations high-risk. The battalion’s success in this challenging terrain plays a crucial role in furthering the national mission to dismantle LWE networks before the 2026 deadline.

Significance of the Award for India’s Security and Tribal Development

The Best Anti-Naxal Battalion award reflects a transformative approach within India’s central armed police forces. While ITBP is widely known for guarding the India-China frontier, its expanding role in internal security demonstrates adaptability and commitment. By combining tactical strength with humanitarian outreach — from medical services to youth empowerment — the battalion has reduced distrust, limited extremist influence, and improved governance accessibility in remote tribal belts. Strategically, stabilising LWE-prone regions is vital for economic progress, infrastructure expansion, and long-term peace across central India.

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Sorit Chaudhary

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