At the ‘Bharat Manthan’ 2025 conference in Delhi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah made a strong commitment to eradicate Naxalism from India by March 31, 2026. Shah emphasized that to truly defeat Naxalism, it’s essential to go beyond the immediate armed conflict and understand the underlying ideologies and the network that sustains it. He stressed the importance of identifying and addressing those who provide the intellectual, legal, and financial support for the Naxal movement.
Shah highlighted the need to understand the root causes of Naxalism to effectively combat it. He extended his condolences to families affected by Naxal violence since the 1960s and acknowledged the efforts of those who have fought against Naxalism. Responding to a recent letter suggesting a ceasefire, Shah dismissed the idea, stating that those who surrender would be rehabilitated. He criticized the selective outrage of certain leftist groups, pointing out their lack of concern for the victims of Naxal violence. Shah clarified that Naxalism had obstructed development, not the other way around. He also pointed out the extensive road construction in Naxal-affected areas since 2014.
Shah shared that in 2024, the government’s efforts resulted in the killing of 290 Naxals, the arrest of 1090, and the surrender of 881. Additionally, Shah discussed the positive changes in Jammu and Kashmir, including the abolition of Article 370 and the decline in casualties among security forces and civilians. He also highlighted the successful conduct of local elections with high voter turnout.