Amit Shah Chairs High-Level Meetings on Naxalism in Raipur, Vows to Eliminate Threat by March 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday chaired two key meetings in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, focusing on the ongoing campaign against Naxalism and reviewed the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) situation in the state. He asserted that India would be free from Naxalism by March 31, 2026, according to an official statement.

Shah first led an Inter-State Security Coordination Meeting attended by Director Generals of Police, Additional DGPs, and senior officials from seven affected states — Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Odisha. The second meeting focused specifically on Chhattisgarh’s LWE situation.

Key Highlights from Shah’s Visit:

• No Let-Up in Anti-Naxal Operations:
  Shah made it clear that operations against Maoist groups would continue even during the monsoon, dismissing any seasonal pause in security action.

• Appreciation for State Government:
  He praised Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy CM Vijay Sharma for giving a “new momentum” to the anti-Naxal drive, which he described as previously stalled.

• Support for Martyr’s Family:
  Shah also met the family of Additional SP Akash Rao Girepunje, who was killed in an IED blast triggered by Maoists in Sukma on June 9. He assured the family of all possible assistance.

• BSF Camp Visit Likely Cancelled:
  Deputy CM Sharma said Shah’s planned visit to a BSF camp in Narayanpur on Monday is unlikely due to heavy rain forecast. Instead, a meeting with force commanders may take place in Raipur.

• Major Maoist Casualties Noted:
  Since January 2023, over 400 Maoists have been neutralized in various encounters in Chhattisgarh, including top CPI (Maoist) leader Nambala Keshav Rao alias Basavaraju, who was killed in Bastar on May 21.

• Inauguration of Forensic Facilities:
  Earlier in the day, Shah laid the foundation stone for the National Forensic Science University (NFSU) and Central Forensic Science Laboratory campuses in Nava Raipur. He also virtually inaugurated the transit campus of NFSU in Raipur.

Reiterating his hardline stance, Shah ruled out any possibility of talks with Maoists, urging them to lay down arms and join the path of development.

“Naxalites will find no respite, not even during the rains,” Shah said. “This campaign will continue until every last trace of extremism is wiped out.”