Amit Shah Says Govt Will Try To End Maoism In India By March 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has set March 2026 as the deadline to eliminate Maoist activities in India. He emphasised the need for a "strong and ruthless strategy" to launch the final assault against these groups. Addressing a press briefing in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, Mr Shah reviewed the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) situation with Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and senior police officers.

Mr Shah highlighted that Maoist violence poses a significant challenge to democracy, having claimed around 17,000 lives in India. He urged Maoists to surrender, announcing that the Centre would introduce a "new look" surrender policy within the next two months. "A strong and ruthless strategy is required for launching the last assault against Maoists," he reiterated.

Decline in Maoist Incidents

During the press briefing, Mr Shah noted a 53 per cent drop in Naxal incidents from 2014-24 compared to 2004-14. He stated, "We believe we will be able to free the country from Left Wing Extremism by March 2026." The minister also mentioned that incidents of Maoist violence have decreased by 52 per cent over the last decade, with deaths declining by 70 per cent.

The number of affected districts has reduced from 96 to 45, and LWE-hit police stations have decreased from 495 to 176. These statistics were shared by Mr Shah during the 59th Raising Day of Border Security Force in December last year. He asserted that India is on the verge of eradicating Maoist extremism.

Comprehensive Approach

The Home Ministry's Left Wing Extremism (LWE) Division, established in 2006, addresses this issue comprehensively. It monitors LWE situations and countermeasures taken by affected states. The Division is responsible for capacity building through schemes like the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme and Special Infrastructure Scheme.

Mr Shah mentioned that apart from state and Central Armed Police Forces, agencies like the National Investigation Agency and Enforcement Directorate are working together to combat Maoist extremism. The government has been filling security gaps in LWE-hit areas while conducting operations alongside development projects.

The deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) in affected states assists local governments in combating extremism effectively. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to ensure long-term peace and stability in regions plagued by Maoist violence.

The Home Minister's commitment reflects a multi-faceted approach involving security measures and developmental initiatives aimed at addressing root causes of extremism. This holistic strategy aims to bring lasting peace to areas historically affected by Maoist activities.

As India moves towards its goal of eliminating Left Wing Extremism by March 2026, continued efforts from both central and state authorities will be crucial. The government's focus on security and development highlights its dedication to resolving this longstanding issue.