New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday declared that the monsoon will not be a reprieve for Naxals this year, asserting that anti-Naxal operations will intensify despite seasonal challenges. His comments came during the foundation stone laying ceremony of the National Forensic Science University (NFSU) campus and a Central Forensic Science Laboratory at Nava Raipur Atal Nagar in Chhattisgarh.
Breaking from past monsoon patterns where swollen rivers and dense jungles often hampered operations, Shah vowed, “This time, we will not let them sleep. Our operations will continue through the rains, and we remain committed to our target of eliminating Naxalism by March 31, 2026.”
Calling on the Maoists to abandon violence, Shah ruled out any negotiation with armed insurgents but extended an open invitation for them to join the mainstream. “Lay down arms and become part of the journey of development. There’s no need for talks—just renounce violence and we will welcome you wholeheartedly,” he said. He further assured that the Centre and the Chhattisgarh government would fulfil all promises made to surrendered Naxalites and help them reintegrate into society.
Shah also reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of transforming India into a developed nation by 2047, stating that this mission encompasses not only industrial and economic growth but also access to timely justice. He highlighted three new legal frameworks—Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam—which he said would modernize the justice system and enhance delivery.
Meanwhile, on the ground, anti-Naxal operations remain active. On Friday, a woman Naxalite with an ₹8 lakh bounty was killed in a fierce encounter in Chhattisgarh’s Kanker district. The exchange occurred on a forested hill under Chhotebethiya police station limits during a joint operation by the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and the Border Security Force (BSF), according to Kanker SP Indira Kalyan Elesela.
So far in 2025, security forces have neutralized 212 Naxals in various encounters across the state, underscoring the sustained momentum of counter-insurgency efforts.
With Shah’s latest declaration, the government has signaled a no-compromise stance against Left Wing Extremism, promising development for those who surrender and relentless pursuit for those who don’t.
