Union Home Minister Amit Shah has proclaimed a historic achievement in India’s enduring struggle with Naxalism, claiming that the nation is set to become Naxal-free by March 31, 2026. This comes after the largest-ever anti-Naxal operation, where 31 notorious Naxalites were killed in the Karreguttalu Hills near the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border, which was a stronghold of Maoist insurgency for many years.
The Largest Anti-Naxal Operation in Indian History
The operation, as part of the Naxalism eradication plan, was carried out by the Joint Task Force (Special), which included fierce combat units from the central and state police forces alongside the Indian Army. Commencing on April 21 and lasting till May 11, 2025, the operation spanned over three weeks and included 21 total engagements along with the shattering of 214 Naxal hideouts and bunkers. The security forces obtained tremendous amounts of munitions, seizing 450 IEDs, 818 BGL shells alongside other explosives, and nearly 900 bundles of detonators, in addition to vast stockpiles of food and medical supplies. The operation did not only capture munitions but also purged four technical installations belonging to the Naxal outfits where arms and explosives were manufactured, which hampered the Naxals’ functional capabilities.
Unparalleled Achievement With No Casualties of the Security Forces
Amit Shah brought to light that not a single security personnel sustained injuries during the operation, even with the severe climate conditions and difficult geographic features. The valor and professional conduct of the forces received accolades from all quarters. To put it in Shah’s words: “The entire nation stands in unison, prouder than ever of you.” This accomplishment is a prime example highlighting the growing effectiveness and synergy of India’s security machinery in dealing with internal security challenges.
Symbolic Victory: Indian Tricolor Waving Over ‘Red Terror’ Hills
In the wake of the operation, there emerged the strong symbolic representation: the Indian tricolor now proudly flies atop hills that were once held synonymous with ‘Red Terror.’ It is a tactical victory, marked as the restoration of the state’s authoritative presence and a beacon of hope for communities that have long suffered from violence and chronic instability. Describing this as the “beginning of the end” of the Maoist menace, Shah further reinforced the government’s narrative of a strong resolve to retake control and foster peace and development in the area.
Government’s Roadmap and Showcase of the Commitment to #NaxalFreeBharat
The government has Nadex Naxalism under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi actively highlighting the intention of steering it out of the nation sustainably. Amit Shah has assured citizens that ‘India is sure to be Naxal-free by 31st of March 2026,’ stating that there is a proper balance of security enforcement and bringing surrendered Naxals to the mainstream. The reduction in the Naxal-affected districts and the number of surrenders show positive movement in the fight against insurgency.
Changes in the Naxal Movement and Development at Local Levels
The collateral damage caused by the elimination of 31 Naxalites along with several crucial leaders, as well as the destruction of their infrastructure, has greatly impaired the operational efficiency of these Maoist factions. Burst large stashes of weapons, explosives, and necessities show the scale of disruption. The government’s combination policy of tough action against armed groups and peaceful rehabilitation for the fighters who surrender aims at sustainable order and encourages growth in formerly off-limits regions.
India achieves another historic milestone within the realm of anti-Naxal operations, which adds a new chapter to the book of hurdles within the country’s internal security. With relentless commitment and purposeful action, the government is likely to meet its target of a Naxal-free India by 2026, inspiring hope in the area, which has been darkened by insurgency for many years.
