Union Home Minister Amit Shah has once again taken a firm stance on Naxalism, announcing a definitive timeline for its eradication. While inaugurating the three-day 60th Directors General and Inspectors General of Police conference in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, Shah declared that Naxalism will be completely eliminated before the next all-India police chiefs’ conference. This bold statement reflects the government’s unwavering resolve.
The Home Minister outlined the government’s achievements, noting that lasting solutions have been found for Naxalism, the North East, and Jammu and Kashmir, with these regions expected to normalize soon. A key element of the strategy has been the bolstering of the security infrastructure, including the construction of 586 fortified police stations. This has led to a substantial reduction in Naxal-affected areas, from 126 districts in 2014 to the current figure of 11.
Shah also called for an intensified campaign against narcotics and organized crime, demanding a 360-degree offensive. He urged security forces to prioritize intelligence gathering, strategic planning, and synergistic operations to counter extremism and radicalization effectively. The need for inter-agency cooperation, particularly between state police and the Narcotics Control Bureau, was emphasized to dismantle drug networks at all levels and bring criminal elements to justice. The DGsP and IGsP conference was highlighted as an essential platform for devising strategies, supported by strong legal frameworks like the NIA Act and UAPA, and the upcoming implementation of new criminal laws promising modernized policing.