Union Home Minister Amit Shah has declared the government's unwavering commitment to eradicating Naxalism from India, setting a deadline of March 31, 2026. Shah asserted that the government will not rest until all Naxalites surrender, are apprehended, or are eliminated.
Shah made these remarks while felicitating personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Chhattisgarh Police, District Reserve Guard (DRG), and CoBRA in New Delhi. These personnel were involved in the successful 'Operation Black Forest' on Karreguttalu hill in Chhattisgarh. Shah commended the security forces for their bravery and courage during the operation, calling it a "golden chapter in the history of anti-Naxal operations". He noted that the jawans courageously destroyed Naxalites’ material dumps and supply chains.
The Home Minister emphasized the significant harm caused by Naxalites in the country's least developed areas, including the closure of schools and hospitals and the obstruction of government schemes. He stated that anti-Naxal operations have brought a "new dawn" to the lives of 65 million people in the region stretching from Pashupatinath to Tirupati.
Shah reassured the security personnel that the government is committed to ensuring their well-being, particularly in cases of serious physical injuries sustained during anti-Naxal operations.
This declaration follows a recent event in the Sukma district of Chhattisgarh, where 20 Naxalites surrendered to the police. According to reports, the Naxalites were disillusioned with Maoist ideology and the torture inflicted by cadres on innocent tribals. They were also impressed by the Chhattisgarh government's 'Niyad Nellanar' scheme, which focuses on development in remote villages, as well as the new surrender and rehabilitation policy for Naxalites. Those who surrendered were provided with financial assistance and will receive benefits from the government's rehabilitation policy, including education and employment opportunities.
In February 2025, Shah set the same deadline for eradicating Naxalism while addressing the success of security forces in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, where 31 Maoists were killed. He reiterated his resolve to eliminate Naxalism completely by March 31, 2026, ensuring that no citizen loses their life because of it.
Chhattisgarh's Deputy Chief Minister, Vijay Sharma, stated that the state government is committed to achieving this target under the guidance of Amit Shah and Chief Minister Sai. He affirmed the commitment to clear IEDs laid by Naxalites and ensure basic amenities reach the entire region. Last year, 219 Maoists were neutralized by security forces in Chhattisgarh.
