Is India on the Brink of Being Naxal-Free? Amit Shah's Bold Claims in Lok Sabha

In a recent address to the Lok Sabha, Union Home Minister Amit Shah proclaimed that India is on the verge of becoming Naxal-free, citing the near eradication of Maoist leadership. He highlighted the government's zero-tolerance policy and significant achievements over the past three years, including thousands of surrenders and arrests. Shah emphasized the importance of development in previously affected regions and criticized past governments for neglecting tribal areas. With a strong focus on security operations and rehabilitation efforts, he expressed confidence that the dream of a Naxal-free India is within reach, promising an official declaration once final formalities are completed.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 30, 2026, 23:05 IST

Amit Shah's Declaration on Naxalism

New Delhi: On Monday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced in the Lok Sabha that India is nearing a state of being Naxal-free, with the leadership of Maoist groups at both central and state levels nearly eradicated, just a day ahead of the government's self-imposed deadline of March 31, 2026.

During a discussion on Naxalism, Shah provided a comprehensive overview of the significant achievements made under the Modi administration's strict anti-Naxal policy.

He noted that the leadership of the Maoists' central committee has either been neutralized or compelled to surrender. Out of the top leaders, 12 have been killed, and only one remains at large, with negotiations for his surrender ongoing.

In state committees, the situation is similarly decisive. The primary 27-member state committee in a major affected state has been largely dismantled, with 11 members killed and discussions initiated with two others.

In Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra-Chhattisgarh, three state committee members have surrendered, leaving just three remaining.

In Odisha, one member surrendered while three were killed, and in Telangana, three were eliminated, resulting in no members of the State Military Commission (SMC) remaining.

Shah shared impressive statistics, revealing that over the past three years, 4,839 Maoists have surrendered, 2,218 have been apprehended, and 706 have been neutralized during encounters.

He stressed that the government has consistently extended offers for dialogue and rehabilitation to those willing to abandon violence, but those who continue to attack security forces, farmers, and children will face a firm response.

The Minister attributed the success to a well-coordinated approach that integrates security operations, development efforts, and advanced technology.

He highlighted significant operations, including Operation Octopus in the Gumla, Lohardaga, and Latehar districts of Jharkhand, Operation Thunderstorm in Jharkhand, and Operation Chakra in Bihar.

A particularly intense 21-day operation on a strategic hill along the Telangana-Chhattisgarh border dismantled a permanent Maoist camp that had stockpiled five years' worth of food and facilities for 400-500 cadres.

Despite facing extreme heat and challenging terrain, security forces displayed remarkable bravery. Shah paid tribute to the courage of CRPF, Cobra, District Reserve Guard, and state police personnel, especially in Bastar, a region once known for red terror but now experiencing rapid development with schools, ration shops, Aadhaar cards, food distribution, and basic amenities reaching every village.

He criticized previous administrations for neglecting tribal regions for decades, which allowed Maoists to exploit the situation and mislead innocent tribals with false narratives of justice.

"The reality is that development was denied to Bastar due to red terror," Shah stated, adding that since 2014, every impoverished citizen, including those in Naxal-affected areas, has received housing, gas connections, drinking water, insurance, and food security.

With the Maoist organizational structure largely dismantled and only a minimal presence remaining, Shah expressed optimism that the vision of a Naxal-free India is nearly a reality.

He assured the House that once the final formalities are completed, the nation will be officially declared free from the long-standing threat of left-wing extremism.