New Delhi, Feb 9: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday reiterated the government’s resolve to eradicate Left Wing Extremism (LWE) from the country by March 31, 2026.
In a message praising the security forces for their success in eliminating 31 Maoists in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, the Home Minister also saluted the two brave soldiers who laid down their lives in action.
In a post on X, Home Minister Shah said: “The security forces have achieved a major success in their efforts to make India Naxal-free, with 31 Naxalites killed and a large quantity of weapons and explosives recovered in the operation.”
“While eliminating anti-human Naxalism, we have lost two brave soldiers. The nation will always be indebted to these heroes,” wrote HM Shah, extending condolences to the families of the martyred soldiers.
Highlighting the progress made over the past year or so in Chhattisgarh, HM Shah earlier noted the decline in Maoist activities, including the neutralisation of several of its top cadres.
“Commendable action has been taken under the leadership of the Chhattisgarh government, utilising a well-devised strategy. I am confident that we will achieve complete elimination of LWE from the country by March 31, 2026,” he asserted.
HM Shah specifically praised the leadership of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, along with the tireless efforts of the state police and other security forces.
“The combined efforts of the Chhattisgarh government, police, and security agencies have laid a strong foundation for this campaign. I assure you all that the goal of a LWE-free state will be realised within the set timeline,” he reiterated.
Shah said when Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave him the responsibility of the Home Ministry in 2019, he thought that those who were involved in armed movements should be given a chance to lay down their arms, surrender and live a peaceful life.
He further said that PM Modi approved 15,000 homes for surrendered Maoists under PMAY while the National Dairy Development Board would provide at least one cow or buffalo to such families so that they could earn Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 per month.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said the end of Naxalism in the country and the state is certain. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the state will get rid of Naxalism by March 2026, he added.
“The sacrifice of our soldiers will not go in vain. I pray to God for the departed souls to rest in peace and provide strength to the bereaved families, and for the speedy recovery of the injured jawans,” Sai said.
Hailing the security forces, Deputy CM Vijay Sharma said the national park area in Bijapur was considered as a safe haven for Naxalites, where more than 650 security personnel entered from different sides and eliminated 31 Naxalites in their den. (IANS)
