New Delhi, March 30 (NationPress) Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced in the Lok Sabha that India is almost entirely Naxal-free, with the notorious Maoist leadership at both central and state levels substantially dismantled, just a day ahead of the government's self-imposed deadline of March 31, 2026. ​

During a discussion on Naxalism, HM Shah provided an in-depth overview of the significant progress made under the Modi administration's zero-tolerance policy. ​

He noted that the Maoist central committee leadership has either been neutralized or compelled to surrender. Among the top leaders, 12 have been eliminated, with only one currently evading capture, although negotiations for his surrender are ongoing. The situation within state committees reflects similar trends. ​

In a critical affected state, the principal 27-member state committee has been entirely dismantled — 11 members killed, and talks have commenced with two others. ​

In Madhya Pradesh and the Maharashtra-Chhattisgarh region, three state committee members have surrendered, leaving just three remaining. ​

In Odisha, one member has surrendered while three have been killed. ​

Telangana has seen three members eliminated, resulting in no remaining members of the State Military Commission (SMC) anywhere. ​

HM Shah shared impressive cumulative statistics; over the past three years, 4,839 Maoists have surrendered, 2,218 have been arrested, and 706 have been neutralized during encounters. ​

He stressed that the government has persistently offered dialogue and rehabilitation for those willing to disarm, yet those who continue to assault security forces, tribal communities, farmers, and children will face firm action, including lethal force if necessary. ​

The Minister attributed this success to a meticulously coordinated strategy that merges security operations, developmental initiatives, and cutting-edge technology. ​

He pointed out key operations such as Operation Octopus in the Gumla, Lohardaga, and Latehar districts of Jharkhand (previously referenced in the Bihar context), Operation Thunderstorm in Jharkhand, and Operation Chakra in Bihar. ​

A notably intense 21-day operation on a strategic hill at the Telangana-Chhattisgarh border successfully dismantled a permanent Maoist camp stocked with five years' worth of food supplies and facilities for 400-500 cadres. ​

Despite challenging terrain and extreme heat, security forces demonstrated exceptional bravery. HM Shah paid tribute to the courage of CRPF, Cobra, District Reserve Guard, and state police personnel, particularly in Bastar, which has transitioned from a region infamous for red terror to one experiencing rapid development—schools, ration shops, Aadhaar registrations, food distribution, and essential services are now accessible to every village. ​

He criticized previous administrations for neglecting tribal regions for decades, allowing Maoists to exploit the void and mislead innocent tribal populations with false narratives of justice. ​

“The reality is that development was withheld from Bastar due to red terror,” HM Shah remarked, adding that since 2014, every impoverished citizen, including those in Naxal-affected areas, has received housing, gas connections, clean drinking water, insurance, and food security. ​

With the Maoist organizational framework in most states dismantled and only a minimal presence remaining, HM Shah expressed his assurance that the aspiration for a Naxal-free India is nearly fulfilled. ​

He assured the House that once the final formalities are completed, the nation will be officially declared free from the long-standing plague of left-wing extremism. ​