India Aims to Eradicate Left-Wing Extremism by 2026, Says Home Minister Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that India plans to eradicate Left-Wing Extremism by March 2026 with a 'strong and ruthless' strategy. Shah urged Naxals to surrender, highlighted decreased Naxal incidents and deaths, and supported Chhattisgarh's efforts. A strengthened Special Investigation Agency will also aid this mission.

India aims to eliminate Left-Wing Extremism completely by March 2026, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Saturday. He emphasized the need for a 'strong and ruthless' approach for the final assault against Naxalism.

During a joint press briefing with Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Shah reviewed the Maoist threat in Chhattisgarh and its adjacent areas. He also called for Naxals to lay down their arms, promising a 'new look' surrender policy within the next 1-2 months.

Shah highlighted significant progress in curbing Naxal violence, a task that has claimed about 17,000 lives over the past four decades. He credited the Narendra Modi-led government for its successful battle against the menace, with a strategy focused on development, prosecution, and operations. There has been a 53% drop in Naxal incidents between 2014-24 compared to 2004-14.