Amit Shah Declares End of Left-Wing Extremism

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New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared India “Naxal-free” in the Lok Sabha on Monday, attributing the success to the Modi government’s policies and security forces’ bravery. Shah’s statement marks a major milestone in the country’s fight against Left-Wing Extremism, a decades-long challenge that has claimed thousands of lives.

Shah emphasized that the root cause of Naxalism is not poverty or lack of development, but Left-wing ideology, which was accepted by a leader of the then ruling party to win the Presidential election in 1969. He criticized the opposition for allegedly supporting Naxalites, citing instances of leaders meeting with Naxal sympathizers. The Home Minister reiterated the government’s stance on dealing with Naxalism: talks with those who lay down arms, and a firm response to those who continue violence.

The government’s efforts have led to significant reductions in Naxal-affected districts, from 126 in 2014 to just 2 currently. Shah set a target of March 31, 2026, to eliminate Naxalism, and his statement marks a major milestone in achieving this goal.

Shah highlighted the government’s development initiatives in affected areas, including Eklavya Model Residential Schools, ITIs, and Skill Development Centres. He lauded the efforts of security forces, state police, and local tribals in combating Naxalism.

The declaration comes after several successful operations, including Octopus, Double Bull, and Black Forest, which neutralized top Naxal leaders and dismantled their organizational structure. The government has also implemented rehabilitation programs for surrendered Naxalites, providing them with financial assistance, skill training, and employment opportunities.

Shah’s statement has been hailed as a significant achievement for the Modi government, marking a major milestone in the country’s fight against Left-Wing Extremism. The government’s efforts have also led to the neutralization of top Naxal leaders, including Basvaraju, their General Secretary, and Hidma, who had killed 27 people.

The Home Minister’s announcement has sparked a debate on the role of ideology in fueling extremism and the need for a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of Naxalism. As India moves forward, the focus will shift to rehabilitation and development of affected areas, ensuring that the gains made are sustained and the country remains Naxal-free.