New Delhi: In a decisive blow to Left-Wing Extremism, security forces eliminated 22 Naxalites in two separate operations in Bijapur and Kanker, Chhattisgarh. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in a statement, reaffirmed the Modi government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating Naxalism and declared that the country is on track to becoming Naxal-free by March 31, 2026.
Calling the operation a significant victory under the ‘Naxal-Mukt Bharat Abhiyan,’ Shah commended the security forces for their relentless efforts. He reiterated that while the government has extended opportunities for surrender and reintegration into society, those who refuse will face decisive action.
The Modi government has ramped up its crackdown on Naxalism, with security forces eliminating 90 Naxalites, arresting 104 insurgents, and facilitating the surrender of 164 cadres in 2025 alone. In 2024, security forces neutralized 290 Naxalites, arrested 1,090, and secured the surrender of 881. Among those killed over the years, 15 were top Naxal leaders.
Over the past decade, India has seen a sharp decline in Naxal-related violence. Between 2004 and 2014, the country witnessed 16,463 incidents of Naxal violence. However, from 2014 to 2024, this number dropped by 53 percent to 7,744. Casualties among security forces plummeted by 73 percent, from 1,851 to 509, while civilian casualties declined by 70 percent, from 4,766 to 1,495 during the same period.
To strengthen security in Naxal-affected areas, the government has significantly enhanced infrastructure. The number of fortified police stations has risen from 66 in 2014 to 612 in 2024. The number of Naxal-affected districts has also drastically reduced from 126 in 2014 to just 12 in 2024. In the last five years, 302 new security camps have been established, along with 68 night-landing helipads, further bolstering anti-Naxal operations.
