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New Delhi, Oct 16 (IANS) In an emphatic declaration of victory against Left-wing extremism, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Friday that Abujmad and North Bastar districts in Chhattisgarh, once notorious hotbeds of Naxalite terror, have been officially declared free from the menace.
This milestone underlines the Modi government’s unwavering commitment to eliminate Naxalism by March 31, 2026, as the country accelerates its multi-pronged strategy.
HM Shah’s statement posted on his official X handle highlighted the dramatic transformation of these areas, which served as impenetrable terror bases for Maoist insurgents for decades.
He wrote, “It is a matter of great joy that Abujhmad and North Bastar in Chhattisgarh, which were once the bases of terrorism, have today been declared free from Naxalite terrorism.”
He further assured that the remaining pockets of Naxalism in South Bastar will be swiftly eliminated by India’s determined security forces, indicating almost complete destruction of the insurgent network in the state.
The announcement comes amid a surge in operational successes after the BJP government takes power in Chhattisgarh in January 2024.
HM Shah revealed shocking figures: 2,100 Naxalites have surrendered, 1,785 have been arrested, and 477 have been killed in encounters.
“These numbers reflect our determination to eliminate Naxalism before March 31, 2026,” he stressed, reflecting a holistic approach combining aggressive enforcement with rehabilitation incentives.
This progress builds on recent high-profile achievements. Just yesterday, HM Shah mentioned the surrender of 170 Naxalites in Chhattisgarh and 61 in Maharashtra, taking the total to 258 extremists rejoining the society in two days.
Earlier milestones include the elimination of top CPI-Maoist leaders like Basavaraju during Operation Black Forest in May 2025, which led to 84 surrenders and 54 arrests in Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Maharashtra.
In September, security forces killed two Central Committee members in Abujhmad, further weakening the Naxalite hierarchy.
Experts attribute this pace to improved intelligence coordination, vigorous border operations and the government’s surrender policy, which provides financial assistance, skills training and constitutional protection to those leaving violence.
Hailing the “tireless efforts” of the forces under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shah said, “Naxalism is breathing its last.” He reiterated his appeal to the remaining rebels: lay down their arms and join the mainstream, or face the full might of the state.
The declaration of Naxal-free status in Abujhmad and North Bastar has paved the way for accelerated development in these tribal areas, which were suffering from lack of infrastructure for a long time due to insurgency.
Initiatives like better roads, schools and healthcare are already underway, bringing hope to locals who have been living in fear for decades.
As India approaches its deadline to root out Naxalism, Shah’s words are resonating as both a progress report and a war cry. With over 4,362 extremists neutralised, surrendered or arrested since 2024, the operation exemplifies the zero-tolerance pledge.
Security analysts estimate that the liberation of South Bastar could happen within a few months, potentially isolating Naxalism. This victory not only strengthens national security but also reaffirms BJP’s election promise of a Naxal-free India.
As Chhattisgarh transitions from conflict to peace, the focus has shifted to sustainable peacebuilding, ensuring that former hotspots become symbols of prosperity. Shah’s vision: A united, terror-free nation by 2026.
–IANS
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