• Source:JND
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday asserted that Naxalism will be eliminated from India by next year. Addressing the Rajya Sabha during discussions on the functioning of the Ministry of Home Affairs, he stated that the country would be free from naxalism by March 31, 2026. He emphasised that the NDA government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, follows a strict zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism.

"I say this in the House with full responsibility—Naxalism in this country will be eliminated by March 31, 2026," he declared. He also highlighted the government's efforts to equip security forces with precise intelligence to combat Naxalites effectively. 

The announcement follows a major security operation in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region, where 30 Naxalites were killed in two separate encounters. Of these, 26 were neutralized in Bijapur district, while four were eliminated in Kanker. A police jawan also lost his life in the Bijapur encounter. 

Home Minister Amit Shah emphasised that the government’s firm stance and strategic measures have significantly weakened Naxal networks. Additionally, he expressed disappointment towards those who perceive Naxalism merely as a political issue.

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Government's Strategy To End Naxalism

The central government has adopted a multi-pronged approach to combat Naxalism, including enhanced intelligence sharing, targeted operations and comprehensive development programs. So far in 2025, security forces have killed 113 Naxalites in Chhattisgarh, with 97 fatalities reported from Bastar alone. Additionally, 104 Naxals have been arrested, and 164 have surrendered nationwide.

Incentives For Naxal-Free Villages

To encourage villages to break free from Naxal influence, the Chhattisgarh government has introduced substantial incentives. Under this initiative, village panchayats that declare themselves ‘Naxal-free’ will receive benefits such as mobile network connectivity, electricity, and a Rs 1 crore grant for development projects.

A new campaign, ‘Elvad Panchayat Abhiyan,’ is set to launch, incentivising panchayats that facilitate Naxal surrenders. These villages will receive government-funded infrastructure projects worth Rs 1 crore, along with improved connectivity and electricity.

New Rehabilitation Policy For Surrendered Naxals

The state cabinet has approved the Chhattisgarh Naxal Surrender and Victim Relief and Rehabilitation Policy-2025, aimed at reintegrating surrendered Maoists into mainstream society. Under this policy, surrendered Naxalites will be provided free accommodation and food for three years, along with a monthly financial assistance of Rs 10,000.

Additionally, they will receive skill development training, land, and housing under the PM Housing Scheme. The policy also extends financial and resettlement support to victims of Naxal violence.

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Boosting Connectivity And Infrastructure In Affected Areas

Efforts are underway to improve infrastructure in Maoist-affected regions. The government has developed a new road connecting Bijapur district headquarters to Pamed, reducing travel distance from 250 km to 90 km. A bus service has been introduced along this route.

Weekly markets, previously shut due to Naxal threats in remote villages like Garpa, Pujarikanker, and Kondapalli, have resumed operations. Additionally, 577 new mobile towers have been installed to enhance communication in affected areas.

Honouring Fallen Security Personnel

To pay tribute to security personnel who lost their lives in anti-Naxal operations, the government has allocated Rs 10 crore under the ‘Veer Balidani Scheme.’ This fund will be used to install statues of fallen soldiers in their native villages. In the first phase, 500-600 statues will be erected, fulfilling a long-standing demand of martyrs' families.

(With agency inputs)