Amit Shah stated that India will be free from Naxalism by March 31, 2026. The government is emphasizing the elimination of both Naxalite weapons and ideological support. Areas affected by Naxalism will return to the mainstream through development and administrative efforts.
New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently made a historic statement at the 'Bharat Manthan 2025 - Naxal Mukt Bharat' program organized by SPMRF. He declared that the entire country would be free from Naxalism by March 31, 2026. He also clarified that Naxalism is not limited to armed activities alone. It is crucial to identify and bring back those sections of society that provide ideological nurturing, legal support, and financial assistance to it.
Ideological Nurturing of Naxalism
In his address, Amit Shah stated that it is extremely important to understand why Naxalism developed in India and who ideologically nurtured it. He said that until society understands those who promote the idea of Naxalism, and their ideological and financial support is not dismantled, the fight against Naxalism cannot be considered complete.
Response to a Letter Spreading Confusion
The Home Minister mentioned that a letter was recently issued, claiming that the incidents that had occurred so far were a mistake and a ceasefire should be declared. Amit Shah rejected this, stating there was no need for a ceasefire. He added that if Naxalite groups wish to surrender, they should hand over their weapons to the police, and the police will not fire under any circumstances.
He noted that as soon as the letter emerged, Left-wing parties and their supporters reacted enthusiastically. Their trivial sympathy was exposed during Operation Black Forest. The CPI and CPI(M) demanded immediate action, but the Home Minister clarified that there was no need to defend them.
Left-Wing Extremism and Development
Amit Shah stated that Left-wing extremism has halted development in the country's tribal areas. He questioned why NGOs and intellectuals who write articles did not come forward to protect the human rights of suffering tribals. He asserted that the sympathy and empathy of these individuals are selective and appear only in the context of Left-wing extremism.
The Home Minister also informed that despite Left-wing extremism, the government continued its development efforts. Between 2014 and 2025, 12,000 kilometers of roads have been constructed in areas affected by Left-wing extremism. He emphasized that this is a clear example that Left-wing extremism was not a cause but an obstruction to development.
Government's Strategy Against Naxalism
Amit Shah also detailed the government's strategy against Naxalism. He stated that controlling armed Naxalite groups and eliminating their ideological support are government priorities. He also added that emphasis is being placed on the development of education, health, and basic infrastructure in Naxal-affected areas with the help of local communities and administrative officials.
Vision for a Naxalism-Free India
The Home Minister clarified that the vision of a Naxalism-free India by March 31, 2026, is not merely a resolution but concrete plans have been formulated to achieve it. This includes the cessation of armed activities, curbing ideological nurturing, and bringing the affected society into the mainstream.
