Amit Shah Vows to End Naxalism in India by 2026
Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the government aims to eradicate naxalism in India within 1-1.5 years, with a final deadline set for March 31, 2026. Speaking to Naxal violence victims in Chhattisgarh, Shah assured improved infrastructure and resources, and encouraged Naxalites to lay down their weapons.
Shah stated, “We will uproot Naxalism and the idea of Naxalism from this country and establish peace…The Narendra Modi government has been successful in ending Naxalism in the entire country except for 4 districts of Bastar. The date of 31.03.2026 has been fixed to bid final farewell to Naxalism from this country. I assure you that Naxalism will be ended before that.”
He added, “I cannot retract the damage that has already been done, but I will try to ensure that innocent people don’t have to face any such issues.”
Shah guaranteed complete support from the Centre for improved infrastructure and resources in the area, stating, “The Chhattisgarh government has requested help from the central government for the PM Awas Yojana and sanitation facilities. These services will be provided to you. The Home Ministry will manage health facilities linked to the Yojana, and a detailed plan will be created in partnership with the state government to tackle the Naxal issue.”
He encouraged those involved in Naxal activities to abandon their weapons and reintegrate into society, stating, “Lay down your weapons and return to the mainstream–many in Kashmir have made that choice, and you can too. If not, we will initiate a campaign to encourage this change.”
Recent operations and increased security deployments highlight ongoing efforts to combat naxalism. In a recent operation, a Naxal was killed in an encounter with security forces in the Sukma district of Chhattisgarh. Four battalions of the Central Reserve Police Forces (CRPF) comprising 4000 CRPF personnel are set to be deployed in Bastar for anti-insurgency operations.
During an inter-state coordination meeting, Shah noted a 70 per cent reduction in the deaths of security personnel due to naxalism and a 69 per cent reduction in the deaths of citizens. He stated, “I believe that our fight has reached the end phase and by March 2026, we will be able to free the country completely from naxalism.”
Doubts Revealed
Amit Shah -: Amit Shah is a senior leader in the Indian government. He is the Union Home Minister, which means he is responsible for the country’s internal security.
Naxalism -: Naxalism refers to a movement by a group of people called Naxalites who use violence to fight against the government. They believe they are fighting for the rights of poor farmers and workers.
Chhattisgarh -: Chhattisgarh is a state in central India. It is one of the areas most affected by Naxalism.
Infrastructure -: Infrastructure means the basic physical systems of a place, like roads, schools, and hospitals. Improving infrastructure helps make life better for people.
Naxalites -: Naxalites are members of the Naxalism movement. They often live in forests and use weapons to fight against the government.
Operations -: Operations in this context mean planned actions by the government and security forces to fight against Naxalites.
Security deployments -: Security deployments mean sending police or soldiers to a place to keep it safe and protect people from violence.
