Lucknow, March 31 (NationPress) On Tuesday, Uttar Pradesh ministers expressed their support for Union Home Minister Amit Shah's declaration that India is nearly free from Maoism. They noted that both central and state leadership structures of the insurgent movement have been largely dismantled ahead of the government’s self-imposed deadline of March 31.

The ministers conveyed their appreciation to the central government for its relentless and proactive measures to mitigate Maoist activities nationwide, emphasizing that the public should recognize the government’s decisive actions against this form of insurgency.

In a recent debate on Maoism in the Lok Sabha, Shah provided a comprehensive overview of the advancements made under the Government of India’s strict zero-tolerance policy.

He highlighted that the Maoists’ central committee leadership has either been neutralized or forced into surrender. Among the top leaders, 12 have been killed, while only one remains unaccounted for, with ongoing efforts to secure his surrender. Similar outcomes have been reported at the state committee level.

The Home Minister shared broader statistics, revealing that in the past three years, 4,839 Maoists have surrendered, 2,218 have been apprehended, and 706 have been neutralized during encounters.

In response to the announcement, Uttar Pradesh Minister Anil Rajbhar stated to IANS, "Today, the entire nation should express its gratitude towards Prime Minister Modi’s administration and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for tackling such a significant challenge. The Red Corridor was created to fragment the nation. Today, the Home Minister has worked to eradicate this threat at its roots. The entire country should be thankful to the government for this achievement."

During his address in the Lok Sabha, Shah also targeted Rahul Gandhi and the Indian National Congress, accusing them of fostering Maoism in the nation.

He criticized Gandhi for sharing the slogan "Tum kitne Hidma maroge, ghar ghar se Hidma niklega," which he claimed was used by supporters of Left-Wing Extremism after the elimination of a Maoist leader.

Hidma, as noted, had been evading capture and was wanted for the deaths of 172 security personnel.

Shah further claimed that Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party have consistently displayed a leniency towards Naxalites, offering them ideological support.

Anil Rajbhar condemned the Congress party, saying, "Look at the audacity of the Congress party and its leaders. Recall the time when Maoism nearly obliterated the Congress leadership in regions of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, executing brutal attacks."

Another minister from Uttar Pradesh, Om Prakash Rajbhar, welcomed the Home Minister’s remarks, affirming that the Centre is committed to eliminating all threats to national security.

Speaking to IANS, he remarked, "He is correct. It is also a significant national concern that if Maoists are infiltrating from abroad, it is our ethical responsibility to address this issue. Since Prime Minister Modi has undertaken this responsibility, and the nation has entrusted him with this task, it is his duty to ensure their eradication."

Meanwhile, with the organizational structures of Maoists weakened across most affected states and only a minimal presence remaining, Shah expressed optimism that the vision of a Maoist-free India is nearly realized.

He assured the House that once the remaining formalities are fulfilled, the country will be officially proclaimed free from the persistent threat of Left-Wing Extremism.