Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced a target date of March 31, 2026, for the complete eradication of Naxalism from India during the ‘Bharat Manthan’ 2025 event held in Delhi. Shah asserted that the battle against Naxalism extends beyond just suppressing armed conflict; it requires a deeper understanding of the ideologies and support systems that underpin it. He focused on the need to identify and confront those who offer ideological backing, legal assistance, and financial resources to the Naxal movement.
Shah stressed that the fight against Naxalism is not solely about ending armed violence. He emphasized the need to understand who provides support and sustenance to the Naxal ideology to fully eliminate it. Shah offered his sympathies to those who have suffered due to Naxal violence and acknowledged the contributions of those fighting against Naxalism. He dismissed calls for a ceasefire, stating that those who surrender would be rehabilitated without violence. He criticized the selective concerns of some leftist groups, highlighting their silence on the victims of Naxal violence and questioning their motivations. Shah argued that Naxalism has hampered development. He pointed to the construction of 12,000 kilometers of roads in Naxal-affected areas since 2014 as evidence.
Shah also presented data, indicating that in 2024, 290 Naxals were killed in operations, 1090 were arrested, and 881 surrendered. He also highlighted the improvements in Jammu and Kashmir following the revocation of Article 370, noting significant decreases in casualties among security forces and civilians and the successful local elections with high voter participation.