Amit Shah to Convene Review Meeting on Maoist Insurgency with Chief Ministers
New Delhi: Following the recent elimination of 31 Maoists in Chhattisgarh, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to hold a critical review meeting with the Chief Ministers of eight states affected by left-wing extremism (LWE) on Monday. This meeting, aimed at bolstering efforts against the Maoist threat, will include representatives from Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Telangana, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh.
The meeting will not only feature the Chief Ministers but also five Union Ministers and senior officials from various Central ministries that support development initiatives in LWE-affected regions. Additionally, the Deputy National Security Advisor and high-ranking officials from the Central Armed Police Forces will be present to discuss strategies and coordination.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and with guidance from Home Minister Shah, the Union government is resolutely committed to eradicating LWE by March 2026. This commitment includes providing comprehensive assistance to the affected states. An official statement highlighted that there has been a 72% reduction in violence and an 86% drop in deaths in 2023 compared to 2010, indicating significant progress in the fight against Maoism.
In the latest figures for 2024, security forces have achieved notable success, eliminating 202 Maoists and facilitating the surrender of 723 others in just the first nine months. This concerted effort is expected to reduce the number of LWE-affected districts to only 38 by next year.
The Union government is also taking proactive measures to advance welfare schemes in remote areas impacted by Maoist activities, with particular focus on improving road and mobile connectivity. Currently, over 14,400 kilometers of roads have been constructed, and approximately 6,000 mobile towers have been installed in these regions, aimed at fostering development and reducing the influence of extremism.
As the review meeting approaches, the government’s ongoing strategies and collaborative efforts are poised to further enhance the fight against left-wing extremism in India.
