Amit Shah Reviews Security Situation in Naxal-Affected States Following Recent Operations
New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah convened a crucial meeting on Monday to assess the security landscape in Naxal-affected regions, engaging with chief ministers and senior officials from states impacted by insurgency. This meeting comes on the heels of a successful operation in Chhattisgarh, where security forces eliminated 31 Naxalites in a significant strike against the insurgency.
The states involved in this initiative include Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Telangana, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. The discussions focused on ongoing anti-Naxal operations and various development initiatives aimed at restoring peace and stability in these regions.
Officials reported that, due to the strategies implemented by the Modi government, Left Wing Extremism (LWE) violence has decreased by 72 percent, with an 86 percent decline in fatalities in 2023 compared to 2010. “Naxals are fighting their last battle now,” remarked one official, highlighting the efficacy of current counterinsurgency measures.
The meeting also included Union ministers responsible for development initiatives in LWE-affected states, as well as senior officers from both the central government and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). The Home Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating LWE by March 2026, pledging continued support and resources to state governments combating the insurgency.
In a previous review meeting held on October 6, Shah had issued comprehensive directives for eliminating LWE. The current year has seen over 230 LWE cadres neutralized, with 723 surrendering and 812 arrested, reducing the number of LWE-affected districts to just 38.
To support these efforts, the central government has prioritized infrastructure development in remote areas, emphasizing road and mobile connectivity. So far, 14,400 kilometers of road have been constructed, and nearly 6,000 mobile towers have been installed in LWE-affected regions, facilitating access to essential services and developmental programs.
This concerted approach reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to not only combatting insurgency but also fostering development and stability in affected states.