Amit Shah Pledges Naxal-Free India by March 2026
Home Minister rules out ceasefire, urges Naxalites to surrender; highlights government’s long-term development push
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday declared that India will be completely free from Naxalism by March 31, 2026, reiterating the government’s zero tolerance approach to Left Wing Extremism. He made the remarks while addressing the valedictory session of the Naxal Mukt Bharat conference.
Shah ruled out any possibility of a ceasefire with Naxal groups, stating that those who want peace must surrender their arms. “Once they surrender, police will not fire a single shot and will ensure rehabilitation,” he assured.
Referring to Operation Black Forest, Shah said the campaign exposed the “false sympathy” of Naxal supporters, many of whom had appealed to halt operations. He stressed that while the government is ready to rehabilitate those who lay down arms, it is duty-bound to protect innocent tribals from Naxalite violence.
Rejecting the theory that underdevelopment fuels extremism, Shah said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has rolled out numerous welfare schemes for 60 crore poor citizens. However, he blamed Naxalites for blocking progress in affected regions by targeting contractors, schools, and road projects.
He further emphasized that the fight against Naxalism would not be over until ideological, legal, and financial supporters of extremism are also held accountable.
Since 2014, Shah noted, the Modi government has built 12,000 km of roads in Left-Wing Extremism affected states, sanctioned 17,500 more roads, installed 5,000 mobile towers, and established 850 schools and 186 health centers. Financial inclusion has also expanded, with over 1,000 bank branches, 937 ATMs, and nearly 38,000 banking correspondents reaching remote areas.
Paying tribute to victims of Left-Wing violence, Shah recalled that India once faced three major internal security hotspots Jammu & Kashmir, the Northeast, and the Red Corridor but a clear long-term strategy has significantly reduced violence across these regions.
“Such tragedies of violence must end. By March 2026, India will be Naxalism free, and tribals will experience the fruits of true development,” Shah affirmed.
