New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday called on all remaining underground Maoists to surrender and join the mainstream, reiterating the Modi government’s commitment to eliminate Maoist insurgency from the country by March 31, 2026.
Taking to social media platform X, Shah stated, “I appeal to the hiding Naxalites to lay down their arms as soon as possible and join the mainstream by adopting the surrender policy of the Modi government. We are determined to free the country from the scourge of Naxalism before March 31, 2026.”
His statement came in the wake of successful operations in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district, where Cobra commandos of the CRPF and Chhattisgarh Police arrested 22 wanted Maoists carrying modern weapons and explosives. In a separate development, 11 Maoists surrendered in Sukma district’s Badesetti Panchayat, leading to the area being declared completely Maoist-free.
Naxalism Now Limited to Four Districts: Shah
Speaking at the CRPF Raising Day event in Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh on Thursday, Shah highlighted the shrinking influence of Maoist groups, noting that Naxalism is now restricted to only four districts across India.
He praised the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), especially the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) of the CRPF, for their instrumental role in combating the insurgency. CoBRA, a specialized CRPF unit trained in guerrilla and jungle warfare, has been central to counter-Maoist operations.
Operational Gains on the Ground
Shah further noted that the CRPF has established over 400 Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in Maoist-affected regions, a move that has led to a 70% decline in violence in these areas. “We are now close to ending this decades-long menace,” he said.
The Indian government’s strategy combines strong ground operations with surrender and rehabilitation policies aimed at reintegrating former insurgents into society.
