Ahmedabad: Union Home Minister Amit Shah proclaimed with assertiveness on Wednesday that the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a resolute path to eradicate Naxalism from the Indian landscape within an expedited timeline.
In a formal statement following the neutralization of 29 Maoist insurgents in Chhattisgarh by security forces, Shah emphasized the relentless campaigns the central government has been orchestrating against both terrorism and Naxalism.
“With utmost assurance, I state that our operations targeting Naxalites will persist into the foreseeable future. Under Modi’s stewardship, we shall uproot the scourge of Naxalism from our country in record time,” affirmed Shah.
The minister highlighted the aggressive counter-Naxal operations under the BJP government in Chhattisgarh since its establishment three months ago. These operations have led to the demise of over 80 Naxalites, the apprehension of over 125 individuals, and the voluntary surrender of more than 150.
Shah noted the deployment of numerous security encampments in Maoist-affected territories since 2014, with approximately 250 such facilities established since 2019. This significant augmentation has addressed the security vacuum in the region, he remarked.
In the most substantial engagement in Chhattisgarh’s history of battling Left Wing Extremism, security operatives subdued 29 Naxalites, including high-ranking members, in Kanker district.
These figures mark the highest number of Maoist casualties in a single skirmish. Since the onset of 2024, a total of 79 Naxalites have been eradicated in isolated clashes with security forces in the Bastar region, a known stronghold of Maoist influence.
While three security operatives sustained injuries during the intense confrontation, officials reported the seizure of a significant cache of weaponry at the scene.
