The North News
New Delhi, March 20
India’s central government is intensifying its crackdown on Naxalite insurgents, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah declaring a “ruthless approach” against naxalites groups. In a post on X, Shah praised security forces for a major victory, reporting that 22 Naxalites were killed in separate operations in Bijapur and Kanker, Chhattisgarh. “Our jawans have achieved another major success in the ‘Naxal-free India Campaign,’” he said.
Shah emphasized that the government is committed to eradicating Naxalism by March 31 next year, maintaining a zero-tolerance policy against those who refuse to surrender despite rehabilitation offers.
As part of the ongoing offensive, security forces have eliminated 90 Naxals, arrested 104, and secured the surrender of 164 militants in 2025 so far. In 2024, 290 Naxals were killed, 1,090 arrested, and 881 surrendered. Among them, 15 top leaders were neutralized.
Comparing past figures, Shah highlighted that between 2004 and 2014, India recorded 16,463 incidents of Naxal violence. Under the Modi government, from 2014 to 2024, such incidents dropped by 53% to 7,744. Security force casualties fell by 73% (from 1,851 to 509), while civilian deaths declined 70% (from 4,766 to 1,495).
Government infrastructure efforts have also expanded, with the number of fortified police stations rising from 66 in 2014 to 612 today. The number of Naxal-affected districts has dropped from 126 to just 12, and in the past five years, authorities have set up 302 security camps and 68 night landing helipads to enhance operational reach.
The Home Minister reiterated the government’s resolve to eliminate Naxalism and restore peace in the affected regions.
