Bihar urges Centre to continue deployment of central security forces even in the extremists-free areas

The Bihar government has requested the central government to extend the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) for the next five years, even in areas where left-wing extremism (LWE) has been eradicated. The Bihar finance minister, Vijay Kumar Choudhary, expressed concern that if the central security forces are withdrawn hastily without the state government's consent, there is a risk that Maoist and LWE activities could resurge. Choudhary also called for the conversion of Centre-sponsored schemes into Central schemes to alleviate the financial burden on states.