Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Tuesday that the number of districts most affected by Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) has been reduced from 12 to 6, marking a significant milestone in India’s battle against Maoist insurgency.
Taking to social media platform X, Shah stated, “Taking a giant stride towards building a Naxal-free Bharat, today our nation achieved a new milestone by significantly reducing the number of districts most affected by Left-Wing Extremism to just 6 from 12. The Modi government is building a Sashakt (Strong), Surakshit (Safe), and Samriddh (Prosperous) Bharat with a ruthless approach to Naxalism and relentless efforts for all-pervasive development.”
Government’s Commitment to Eradicating Maoism by 2026
Reiterating the government’s determination to eliminate Maoism, Shah emphasized that the goal is to eradicate the menace by March 31 next year. This announcement comes as anti-insurgency operations intensify across Maoist strongholds, particularly in Chhattisgarh—the worst-hit state.
Taking a giant stride towards building a Naxal-free Bharat, today our nation achieved a new milestone by significantly reducing the number of districts most affected by left-wing extremism to just 6 from 12. The Modi government is building a Sashakt, Surakshit and Samriddh Bharat…
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 1, 2025
Over the past year, security forces have ramped up operations in the so-called ‘Red Corridor,’ eliminating 287 Maoist rebels nationwide, with 219 of them killed in Chhattisgarh alone. In stark contrast, only 22 Maoists were killed in 2023 and 30 in 2022. So far in 2025, approximately 131 Maoists have been neutralized in Chhattisgarh, including over two dozen in last week’s gunbattles.
PM Modi’s Visit to Chhattisgarh: A Push for Development
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Chhattisgarh on Sunday to launch various infrastructure projects, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ending Maoism through development. During his address, he criticized the Congress Party for allegedly “encouraging” Left-Wing Extremism and highlighted that peace was gradually being restored in former Maoist strongholds due to increased development and welfare initiatives.
ALSO READ: ‘Shows insensitivity’: Supreme Court lambasts UP government over Prayagraj bulldozer action
In a dramatic turn of events, just hours before PM Modi’s arrival, nearly 50 Maoists, including senior leaders, surrendered to security forces in Bijapur district. A day prior, security forces eliminated 18 Maoists in multiple encounters across Chhattisgarh.
Security Forces Strengthen Presence in Maoist Strongholds
Security forces have established 17 new camps in previously Maoist-controlled areas, including the dense 4,000 sq. km. Abhujmad forest straddling Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra—an area long considered inaccessible due to rugged terrain and Maoist fortifications.
Despite these advances, southern Chhattisgarh remains the last bastion of Maoism in India. The Bastar region—including Bastar, Dantewada, Sukma, Kanker, Narayanpur, Bijapur, and Kondagaon—continues to serve as a Maoist epicenter. The region houses top Maoist leaders, including members of the Politburo and Central Committee, who have taken advantage of the area’s administrative vacuum.
Government’s Dual Strategy: Combat and Development
The central government is implementing a dual approach to wipe out Maoism—combining military offensives with extensive infrastructure development in Maoist-affected regions. By strengthening security, enhancing connectivity, and investing in economic development, the Modi administration aims to dismantle the insurgency and integrate these regions into mainstream progress.
With this decisive push, India appears to be on the verge of eliminating Maoist influence and reclaiming stability in the last remaining pockets of insurgency.
