Amit Shah Reviews Anti-Naxal Operations in Chhattisgarh, Says India on Track to Become Naxal-Free by March 2026

Raipur, February 8: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Sunday chaired a high-level security review meeting on Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, underscoring the Centre’s resolve to eliminate Naxalism from the country. The Home Minister also assessed the progress of key development initiatives being implemented across the state.

The meeting was attended by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, intelligence agencies, central armed police forces, and top police leadership from Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Maharashtra.

During the review, Amit Shah highlighted that the combined strategy of focused security operations, infrastructure expansion, action against Naxal funding channels, and an effective surrender and rehabilitation policy has significantly weakened extremist networks. He expressed confidence that Left Wing Extremism is now in its final phase and will be fully eradicated from India before 31 March 2026.

The Home Minister said Chhattisgarh, once among the worst-affected states by Naxal violence, has undergone a major transformation under the “double-engine government” led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted that the state is steadily emerging as a symbol of balanced growth, where security improvements are being matched by development on the ground.

Amit Shah also pointed to the changing aspirations of Chhattisgarh’s youth, stating that young people are making rapid strides in areas such as sports, forensic science, and technical education, while continuing to safeguard the state’s cultural heritage and traditions.

Emphasising inter-state coordination, the Home Minister cautioned against allowing remaining Naxal elements to escape into neighbouring states. He called for seamless cooperation between state governments and central agencies to ensure that anti-Naxal operations remain focused and decisive.

Shah further stated that Chhattisgarh has shown notable progress on both security and development indicators and stressed that residents of former Naxal-affected regions must receive equal access to opportunities, infrastructure, and welfare schemes.

Reiterating the government’s commitment, the Home Minister said the country is close to being freed from an ideology that has pushed generations into poverty and lack of education, adding that the final phase of operations must be pursued with sustained intensity and coordination.