258 Maoists Surrender in Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra: Amit Shah Sets 2026 Deadline for Eliminating Naxalism

Amit Shah has announced that two heavily affected regions of Chhattisgarh are now liberated from Maoist influence. (File)

New Delhi:

Union Home Minister Amit Shah revealed on Thursday that 258 experienced Maoist fighters have surrendered in Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra over the past two days.

He delivered a clear message to remaining Maoists: those who surrender will be welcomed into society, while those who continue armed resistance will face decisive action from security forces.

Shah also proclaimed that two previously worst-affected regions in Chhattisgarh have now been cleared of Maoist terror activities.

Describing it as a historic achievement, Shah stated that 170 Maoists surrendered in Chhattisgarh on Thursday, following 27 who had laid down weapons in the state the previous day, along with 61 others in Maharashtra.

In total, 258 experienced left-wing extremists have renounced violence within a 48-hour period, according to Shah.

"I commend their decision to abandon violence and place their trust in India's Constitution. This confirms that Naxalism is in its final stages due to PM @NarendraModi government's persistent efforts to eliminate this threat," he stated.

Shah emphasized the Modi administration's straightforward policy: "Those willing to surrender are welcome, while those persisting with armed conflict will confront our security forces."

He urged those still engaged in Maoist activities to surrender their weapons and rejoin mainstream society.

"We are determined to completely eliminate Naxalism before March 31, 2026," he declared.

The Home Minister added: "It brings great satisfaction that Abujhmarh and North Bastar in Chhattisgarh, once strongholds of terror, have now been declared free from Naxal activities. Naxalism remains only in South Bastar, which our security forces will soon eliminate completely."

Shah noted that since January 2024, following the BJP government's formation in Chhattisgarh, 2100 Naxalites have surrendered, 1785 have been arrested, and 477 have been neutralized.

"These figures demonstrate our unwavering commitment to eradicate Naxalism before March 31, 2026," he concluded.