India To Be Naxal-Free By March 2026, Says Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said that India will be “completely free of Naxalism” by March 31, 2026. Speaking at a police conference in Raipur, he cited major territorial gains against CPI (Maoist) groups and a significant decline in violence over the past decade.
Sharp Drop In Affected Districts
Shah noted that Naxal-affected districts have reduced from 126 in 2014 to just 11 at present. He credited the improvement to stronger security infrastructure, including fortified police stations and better coordination among state and central forces.
Appeal To Maoists And Development Push
Shah urged remaining Maoist cadres to surrender under rehabilitation schemes, assuring reintegration support. He said operations would continue against hardline insurgents while development efforts — such as road building, banking access, education and healthcare — would accelerate in recovered areas.
Challenges Still Remain
Although the insurgency has weakened, sporadic attacks continue in some pockets. Security experts say lasting peace will require sustained development and trust-building within tribal communities. Shah’s deadline signals a renewed government push to end the decades-long conflict.
