Chhattisgarh Takes Lead in Final Assault on Naxalism, 2026 Target Set

 

In a decisive push against the long-standing menace of Naxalism, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has announced the Narendra Modi-led government’s commitment to eradicate Maoist violence from India by March 2026.

 

This bold declaration was made during a high-level security meeting in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, attended by key figures including Chhattisgarh’s Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, and other senior officials from the security establishment.

 

The meeting underscored the central government's relentless pursuit of eliminating Left Wing Extremism (LWE) and bringing stability and development to the regions plagued by Maoist terrorism.

 

 

Amit Shah's message was clear: the time has come for the final assault on Naxalism, a threat that has plagued India’s democratic system for decades. "We believe that Naxalism is the biggest challenge for the democratic system in our nation," Shah emphasised.

 

The Union Home Minister pointed out that over 17,000 lives have been lost to Maoist violence in the last four decades. This staggering toll reflects the extent to which Naxalism has destabilised not only the regions directly affected but also the broader political and social fabric of India.

 

Since the Modi government came to power, the approach towards Naxalism has been one of uncompromising resolve. Shah outlined the dual objectives of this strategy: first, to establish the rule of law in Maoist-affected areas, and second, to drive development in these regions.

 

This two-pronged approach is designed to both weaken the Naxal movement by neutralising its leadership and to address the socio-economic conditions that have allowed it to thrive.

 

Shah's statement that "the time has come for the final assault on Left Wing Extremism" was not just rhetoric. It reflects a coordinated strategy that involves both increased military operations and the saturation of government schemes in affected areas.

 

The government’s intent is to leave no stone unturned in its efforts to bring these regions under full state control and to integrate them into the national mainstream.

 

 

The progress made under the Modi government in the fight against Naxalism is evident. Shah highlighted that security forces have already made significant inroads, with 142 Maoists being killed by security forces in Chhattisgarh alone this year.

 

This figure underscores the intensification of anti-Naxal operations, which have been bolstered by better coordination between state and central agencies, improved intelligence gathering, and enhanced training and equipment for the security forces.

 

The focus of these operations has been on neutralising the leadership of the Naxal movement. By targeting top Naxal leaders, the government aims to disrupt the organisational structure of the movement, making it harder for the insurgency to sustain itself. This approach has already yielded results, with several key Naxal leaders being killed or captured in recent years.

 

However, the military aspect is just one part of the strategy. Equally important is the development of infrastructure in Naxal-affected areas. The government has prioritised the construction of roads, bridges, and other essential infrastructure in these regions, recognizing that economic development is crucial to undermining the Naxal narrative.

 

These projects, which include better access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, are designed to win the hearts and minds of the local population, many of whom have been exploited by Naxal propaganda for decades.

 

 

A key component of the government’s strategy is to offer a path for Maoists to surrender and reintegrate into society. Chhattisgarh, one of the states most affected by Naxalism, is set to unveil a new surrender and rehabilitation policy aimed at enticing more Maoists to lay down their arms.

 

According to a senior officer in the state home department, this policy is likely to become the most lucrative among Maoist-affected states in the country and may even be adopted as a national framework by the central government.

 

The proposed policy will offer substantial incentives to Maoists, particularly local cadres, to surrender and reintegrate into society. This includes financial support, vocational training, and assistance in finding employment.

 

The policy also aims to address the root causes of Naxalism by providing better education and healthcare in affected areas. By offering a viable alternative to the violent path, the government hopes to weaken the Naxal movement from within.

 

The success of this approach is already evident in the numbers. In Bijapur district alone, 170 Maoists have surrendered this year, including 25 on a single day earlier this week. Among them were five Maoists who carried bounties totaling Rs 28 lakh. In addition to these surrenders, security forces have arrested 346 Maoists in the district during the same period.

 

The new policy is seen as a crucial tool in the government’s efforts to bring lasting peace to Naxal-affected areas. By offering a way out for those who wish to abandon violence, the government hopes to further weaken the Naxal movement and reduce its ability to recruit new members. This, combined with the ongoing military operations, represents a comprehensive approach to dealing with the Naxal problem.

 

 

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also weighed in on the issue, highlighting the role of economic development in combating Naxalism. Speaking at an event in Nagpur, Gadkari noted that Naxalism is on the verge of cessation, particularly in areas like Gadchiroli, thanks to socio-economic initiatives.

 

Gadkari’s remarks reflect a broader understanding within the government that economic development is a crucial component of the strategy to defeat Naxalism.

 

Gadkari pointed to several initiatives aimed at improving the economic conditions in Naxal-affected areas, such as the establishment of a Mother Dairy plant in Vidarbha.

 

This plant, which is expected to provide substantial financial benefits to local farmers, is part of a broader effort to bring economic opportunities to these regions. By creating jobs and improving incomes, the government hopes to undermine the appeal of the Naxal movement, which has long exploited the economic grievances of the local population.

 

The development of infrastructure, including roads, schools, and healthcare facilities, is also a key part of this strategy. By improving access to essential services, the government aims to reduce the sense of isolation and neglect that has fueled Naxalism in these areas. The hope is that by bringing these regions into the national mainstream, the government can build a more stable and prosperous future for their residents.

 

 

As the government intensifies its operations and policies against Naxalism, the combined efforts of security forces, state initiatives, and socio-economic development are setting the stage for what could be the final chapter in India’s long struggle against Naxal violence. With a target date of March 2026, the government is making it clear that it intends to finish what it started.

 

The coming years will be crucial in determining whether this ambitious goal can be achieved. The success of the military operations will depend on continued coordination between state and central agencies, as well as the ability to maintain pressure on the Naxal leadership.

 

At the same time, the government will need to ensure that its development initiatives are effectively implemented and that the benefits reach those who need them most.

 

The new surrender and rehabilitation policy will also play a key role in determining the success of the government's efforts. By offering a viable alternative to violence, the government hopes to encourage more Naxalites to abandon their insurgency and rejoin society. If successful, this policy could significantly weaken the Naxal movement and pave the way for lasting peace in the affected regions.

 

In conclusion, the government's strategy to eliminate Naxalism by 2026 represents a comprehensive approach that combines military, economic, and social initiatives. While challenges remain, the progress made so far suggests that the government is on the right track.