Karnataka police oppose disbanding of Anti-Naxal Force

Bengaluru: Police are strongly opposing the state government's plans to disband the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF), arguing that while there may be no active Naxals in Karnataka, Naxalism as an ideology is far from dead.

In the 2025 budget, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the decision to dissolve the ANF following the surrender of the last batch of known Maoists in the state.

On January 8 this year, six Maoists, including four women, surrendered at a government event in the chief minister’s presence. A few days later, another Maoist also surrendered.

Siddaramaiah, as well as Home Minister Parameshwara, proclaimed that Karnataka was now “Naxal-free.

However, a high-ranking police officer revealed that law enforcement was not consulted before the decision to disband the ANF was made.

"This is a wrong move. There may be no active Naxals in Karnataka but Naxalism as an ideology isn't dead," the officer said. "Just because there are no known Maoists now doesn’t mean the movement won’t resurface. We must prevent that from happening."

Top police officers are expected to formally recommend that the government reconsider the decision.

Police continue to question the surrendered Maoists, and not all is known about Naxalism. Further, the ongoing crackdown on Naxals in Chhattisgarh has made the situation "vulnerable", the officer said.

"There are high chances that Maoists from the north may migrate southwards into Karnataka. It is crucial to keep the combing operations active,” the officer told DH on the condition of anonymity.

Police also argue that disbanding the ANF will squander the expertise of its 1,000 personnel, equipped with multiple skills required to carry out specific tasks.

"ANF personnel were selected from various police wings, including law and order, KSRP, traffic, etc. Many had no prior police background but volunteered for ANF," said the officer. “If they are placed in different police wings, they won’t fit in."

Beyond combat operations, the ANF plays a key role in forest protection, tribal welfare and combing operations. The force actively engages with tribal communities in Karnataka's forests and assists them in infrastructure projects such as bridge and road construction.

Notably, ANF personnel rely on these tribal contacts for intelligence on Maoist activity and rehabilitation efforts.

Why shouldn't the ANF be disbanded?

Loss of specialised skills

Risk of Naxalism resurgence

Possibility of Maoist migration to Karnataka

Essential role in forest protection (anti-poaching, prevention of illegal logging, etc)

Maintaining trust and rapport with tribal communities

Strength of ANF staff: 1,000 members