Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), or Naxalism, from India by March 31, 2026. Speaking at the “Bharat Manthan-2025: Naxal Mukt Bharat” conference in New Delhi on September 28, Shah said the mission to eliminate Naxal violence is a top national priority.
Addressing senior officials, security forces, and policy-makers, Shah rejected a recent ceasefire proposal from the Communist Party of India (Maoist), terming it “misleading.” He emphasised that the government would not engage in any truce talks, urging Maoist cadres instead to surrender and participate in rehabilitation programmes. “Those who lay down their arms will be welcomed with a red carpet,” he stated.
Shah outlined a three-pronged strategy combining dialogue, security action, and improved coordination, which has already yielded measurable results. According to official figures, security personnel fatalities in the Northeast have reduced by 70%, and civilian casualties due to LWE-related violence have declined by 85% between 2014 and 2024.
The Home Minister credited the Modi government’s firm approach for this progress. He highlighted that 290 Naxal operatives were neutralised in Chhattisgarh alone within the first year of the current administration, compared to limited results under the previous government. Shah also stressed that the battle against Naxalism extends beyond armed conflict to dismantling the ideological and financial networks sustaining the movement.
The conference served as a platform to reiterate the government’s vision of a “Naxal Mukt Bharat” (Naxal-Free India) and to honour security forces involved in “Operation Black Forest” — a targeted mission to neutralise Naxal threats in high-intensity zones. Shah praised the coordinated efforts of central and state forces and emphasised that the coming months would be decisive in achieving the March 2026 target.
The Home Minister concluded his address by stressing the importance of sustained action and community engagement. “This is not just a fight against arms; it is a fight for India’s unity, peace, and development,” Shah said. The government’s continued focus on strategic operations, security measures, and rehabilitation efforts aims to dismantle the Naxal infrastructure and restore stability to affected regions.
As the March 2026 deadline approaches, the nation watches closely whether the ambitious goal of a Naxal-free India will be realised.
