Amit Shah: CRPF Key to Ending Naxalism by March 2026
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has declared that the government’s mission to eradicate Naxalism will conclude by March next year. Speaking at the 85th Raising Day celebrations of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Varanasi, Shah lauded the force for being the backbone of India’s fight against Left Wing Extremism and affirmed that the movement has been pushed to the brink of collapse.
According to Shah, the spread of Naxalism has been drastically curtailed, with the number of affected districts coming down from 126 to fewer than 10. He asserted that the remaining Maoist strongholds will be dismantled within the next year, thanks to sustained efforts by the CRPF and state police forces.
CRPF’s Expanding Role in National Security
The Home Minister praised the CRPF not only for its anti-Naxal operations but also for its contributions to combating terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and managing law and order in the northeast. He highlighted how the force has penetrated deep into previously inaccessible regions, carrying out precision-based operations and establishing permanent security camps.
Shah noted that CRPF jawans had succeeded in freeing vast tracts of land from the grip of Maoists, enabling the construction of roads, telecommunication infrastructure, and administrative access to long-neglected tribal populations.
Development and Security Go Hand in Hand
Shah reiterated the government’s two-pronged approach to fighting Naxalism — a combination of military pressure and developmental outreach. While security forces continue to eliminate the threat through targeted operations, parallel efforts are underway to rehabilitate surrendered Maoists and bring welfare schemes to the tribal belts.
He stressed that the government’s strategy focuses not just on defeating the Maoist insurgency but also on ensuring lasting peace through governance, jobs, and education in regions once dominated by extremist ideology.
Political and Strategic Timing of the Announcement
The announcement comes at a critical juncture as the government prepares for the final year of its term. By setting March 2026 as the deadline, the Centre is aiming to close a decades-long internal security chapter, potentially bolstering its narrative of strong governance ahead of national elections.
The statement also underscores the confidence of the current administration in the security apparatus, particularly the CRPF, which has been at the forefront of India’s most difficult internal conflicts.
