Government Targets Complete Eradication of Naxalism by March 2026

The Indian government is making strong efforts to end Left-Wing Extremism, also known as Naxalism, in the country. High-level officials, including the Union Home Minister, are leading these efforts. The main goal is to completely remove Naxal influence from India by the end of March 2026. The efforts started with a significant security review meeting held in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The meeting was attended by top government officials, including the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, the Deputy Chief Minister, the Union Home Secretary, and heads of major security agencies such as the Intelligence Bureau and the Central Reserve Police Force. These leaders discussed progress and future steps to fight Naxalism. According to the Union Home Minister, the government's strategy has been successful. He said that actions focusing on security, infrastructure, financial networks of Naxals, and policies to encourage rebels to surrender have all contributed to progress. He expressed confidence that Naxalism will be completely eradicated before March 31, 2026. Since the beginning of 2024, security forces have reported significant successes. Over 500 Naxalites, including senior leaders like the general secretary of CPI (Maoist), have been killed in gunfights. Among those killed was a key leader known as Gaganna. These operations are ongoing, especially during the monsoon season, to stay ahead of insurgent activities. In addition to fighting, the government is also encouraging Naxalites to surrender and join the mainstream society. Over 1,900 Naxalites have been arrested, and more than 2,500 have surrendered to the authorities since January 2024. Leaders have emphasized the importance of this approach, asking all agencies involved to list their needs and work towards achieving the goal of ending Naxalism. The government’s efforts are coordinated across several states affected by Naxalism, with regular review meetings. In June 2025, a review was held with the Directors General and Additional Directors General of Police from seven states. These meetings reaffirm the commitment to ending Naxal-related violence and activity by the set deadline. In addition to security operations, the government is strengthening institutions to improve law enforcement. In June 2025, a new campus of the National Forensic Sciences University and a Central Forensic Science Laboratory were inaugurated to help improve criminal investigations and justice in the region. Operations have led to significant successes in recent months. In May 2025, security forces carried out a large operation in the Abujhmarh region, resulting in the death of 27 Maoists, including the top leader Gaganna. These operations demonstrate ongoing efforts to weaken Naxal groups. The government also monitors the activities of the security forces actively. In October 2024, forces conducted a major operation in the forests of Abujhmad, killing 31 Maoists. These actions are part of a continuous drive to weaken insurgent groups and ensure safety in affected areas. Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, has personally directed that anti-Naxal operations continue during the monsoon period when insurgent activities tend to increase. He also required Chief Ministers of affected states to review the progress of anti-Naxal efforts at least once a month. This multi-faceted approach—combining security operations, policy support, institutional strengthening, and constant review—aims to make the country free of Naxalism by the set deadline. The government remains committed to this goal and continues to pursue a comprehensive strategy to achieve it. Efforts are ongoing to ensure that those involved in Naxal activities choose to surrender and reintegrate into society. The government's focus is on creating a secure environment where development and peace can flourish, without the threat of insurgency.