Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared on 28 November 2025 in Raipur at the three-day DGP/IGP conference’s opening that India will be free of Naxalism before the next such meeting.
“Before the upcoming DGP/IGP Conference, the country will be completely free from the problem of Naxalism,”
He credited sustained central efforts for weakening left-wing extremism, noting Naxal-affected districts dropped from 126 in 2014 to 11 now via 586 fortified police stations.
Police leaders endorse the bold target amid security gains, while Maoists recently sought surrender time till February 2026; no new contradictions emerged, highlighting comprehensive anti-extremism strategies.
Security Gains Over Decade
Naxalism once gripped vast tribal belts but central policies since 2014 confined it through fortified infrastructure and operations. The 586 new police stations enhanced reach into remote areas, slashing affected districts by over 90%.
Recent successes include neutralising top Maoist leaders in Abujhmarh and Karregutta Hills, part of a multi-year push blocking arms and urban networks. This builds on prior deadlines like March 2026, now sharpened for full eradication soon.
Amit Shah on Ending Naxalism
Shah detailed a 360-degree offensive against extremism, narcotics, and organised crime, stressing no space for traffickers. Key figures show violence plunged with security deaths down 73% and civilians 74% from 2014-2024 versus before; 2024 alone saw 290 Naxalites killed, 1,090 arrested, 881 surrendered, plus 2025’s 270 neutralised and 1,225 surrenders.
He urged, “A 360-degree attack has to be launched against narcotics and organised crime,” while humanising progress: “When a child from a Naxal-affected region picks up a pencil instead of a gun, it is not just the future of that region, but that of the entire nation that changes.” Over 336 CAPF camps and Rs 3,331 crore investments fortify efforts.
India’s Efforts to End Naxalism
- The Chhattisgarh government implemented the “Naxalite Surrender/Victim Relief and Rehabilitation Policy-2025” to encourage Maoists to lay down arms and reintegrate into society with enhanced financial assistance and support.
- Over 1,500 Naxalites have surrendered in Chhattisgarh in the past two years, receiving monetary aid of ₹5 lakh for high-ranking cadres and monthly stipends for vocational training to rebuild livelihoods.
- Security forces continue strong operations, neutralising hundreds of Naxalites annually, while development schemes build roads, telecom towers, schools, and banks in affected areas to win local trust.
- Initiatives like “Poona Margem: Rehabilitation Through Reintegration” help surrendered cadres reintegrate into normal life, providing education, jobs, and social acceptance.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian supports ending violence through balanced security and development, as lasting peace requires empathy for tribal communities long denied basics like roads, schools, and water. Kindness and dialogue must guide reintegration of surrendered fighters, promoting harmony over division for shared prosperity.
