Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday declared in Parliament that India has effectively become free from Naxalism, stating that the Maoist leadership and central structure have been nearly dismantled.
Replying to a debate in the Lok Sabha on efforts to eliminate Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), Shah said the government’s target of making the country Naxal-free by March 31, 2026, has largely been achieved. He added that a formal announcement would follow once the process is fully completed.
“Their Politburo and central structure have been almost completely dismantled. I can say that we have become Naxal-free,” Shah told the House, highlighting major successes of security forces across affected states.
Detailing the progress, Shah said members of Maoist state committees in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh have surrendered, while most remaining cadres in Odisha and Telangana have either been neutralised or have laid down arms.
He credited the achievement to coordinated efforts by Central Armed Police Forces, state police units, specialised forces like CoBRA and DRG, and support from tribal communities in affected regions.
Targeting the Congress, Shah alleged that previous governments failed to tackle the decades-long insurgency and allowed the “Red Corridor” to expand across multiple states. He questioned why the issue remained unresolved for years despite Congress being in power for a significant period after independence.
The Home Minister also accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of showing sympathy towards Naxal-linked elements, citing past public appearances and social media activity.
Shah reiterated the government’s dual approach—rehabilitation for those who surrender and strict action against those who continue violence. “Talks are only with those who lay down arms; a bullet will be answered with a bullet,” he asserted.
Highlighting the human and economic cost of the insurgency, Shah said Naxal violence had claimed around 20,000 lives, including 5,000 security personnel, and kept nearly 12 crore people deprived of development across affected regions.
He added that areas like Bastar, once heavily affected by Maoist influence, are now witnessing development as the “shadow of red terror” recedes. Shah credited the Modi government’s welfare initiatives and infrastructure push for improving conditions in these regions.
Reaffirming the government’s stance, Shah said India will not tolerate any form of armed insurgency and emphasised that justice must be pursued through constitutional means, not violence.
