Ruthless strategy to deal final blow, will end Naxalism by March 2026: Amit Shah

Shah said his two-day visit to Chhattisgarh is aimed at reviewing the implementation of all Central and state government-funded schemes and projects in LWE- affected areas and find out ways to deal with the obstructions coming in the way.

“I believe that time has come to deal with LWE with one strong strategy… ruthless strategy to deliver the last blow… We all believe LWE is the biggest challenge to our country’s democratic process. I believe this fight is in the last stage. By March 2026, we will end the Naxal issue in our country. In 2010, Naxal incidents were being reported from 107 districts…now this figure has come down to 42,” Shah said.

Shah said nearly 17,000 people, including Maoists, security forces and civilians, have died in LWE-related incidents in the country. Shah compared the 10-year (2014-2024) rule of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the previous 10 years (2004-2014) when the Congress-led UPA was in power, saying there was a 53% decline in Maoist-related cases and 70% drop in deaths due to LWE violence.

“The entire financial ecosystem of LWE suffered a crushing blow at the hands of Central agencies, and the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) also played a big role in this,” Shah said.

He also highlighted how the Home ministry’s Air wing was strengthened for operations in LWE-affected areas. “This year, till August, we have shown the best performance against LWE… 189 Maoists were killed, 559 were arrested, and 540 surrendered… 46 new police camps were set up which have filled a major security vacuum,” he said.

Shah said a special drive will be carried out in LWE-affected areas to make all people literate, regardless of their age. He also said a new surrender policy will be brought in Chhattisgarh very soon and appealed to the youth to quit violence and take the path of development.