Union Home Minister Amit Shah says India is “Naxal-free”, Politburo and central structure almost dismantled

New Delhi: Union home minister Amit Shah on Monday announced in the Lok Sabha that the country has become “Naxal-free”, with the “Politburo and central structure almost completely dismantled”.

He informed that Naxalism has been “almost wiped out” from its Bastar stronghold. Replying to a debate in the House, Shah said at one point 12 states fell within the ‘Red Corridor’, with little rule of law. He said nearly 12 crore people lived in prolonged deprivation and around 20,000 people, including 5,000 security personnel, were killed in Naxal violence.

“In the end, who is responsible? In 75 years, you ruled for 60 years – why have tribals still been deprived of development? The development of tribals is now being done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Shah said, accusing Congress of failing to provide housing, drinking water, schools and banking access in affected regions. Referring to former PM Manmohan Singh’s remark that Naxalism was a bigger challenge than Kashmir and the Northeast, Shah said Congress “acknowledged the problem but did nothing about it”.

He said, “Talks will be held only with those who lay down their arms; those who use bullets will be answered with bullets.”

OUTCOMES SHARED WITH HOUSE

Detailing outcomes, he said 4,839 Naxalites have surrendered, 2,218 have been jailed, and 706 who refused to surrender were killed in encounters, reflecting the government’s firm resolve. He asserted Naxalism has been “almost completely eradicated” from Bastar and credited security forces and tribal communities for the turnaround. “The shadow of red terror that stalled development in Bastar is lifting, and the region is progressing.”

Shah credited the central armed forces, particularly CoBRA and CRPF, along with state police, DRG personnel and tribals for the success of operations. He said the Constitution provides avenues to address injustice and warned that those taking up arms would face strict action. He said the country is moving decisively towards a Naxal-free future, in line with the March 31, 2026 target.