Andhra Pradesh aims to be Maoist-free by March 2026: DGP Harish Kumar Gupta

Andhra Pradesh police are working toward making the state free of Maoist activity by March 2026, a goal set by the Indian government, Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Harish Kumar Gupta said on Thursday.

Speaking at a press conference in East Godavari district, Harish Kumar said significant progress has already been made toward achieving this target. He called on Maoist cadres to surrender, cautioning that those who resist could face fatal police action during encounters. He referred to a key Maoist cadre killed in a June encounter, emphasizing that surrender remains the safest option.

“We are moving forward with a clear objective. The Indian government has set the target of making Andhra Pradesh Maoist-free by March 2026, and most of the milestones have already been achieved,” Harish Kumar said. He stressed that violence has no place in the state or society and highlighted that the goal is a safe and developed Andhra Pradesh.

Harish Kumar praised the efforts of various police units, noting their role in arresting 50 Maoist cadres who entered the state seeking shelter. In addition, police recently conducted encounters in Maredumilli mandal of Alluri Sitarama Raju district, neutralizing 13 Maoists - six on November 18 and seven on November 19.

“All units of the police department, especially intelligence and local district forces, worked together under a unified command to achieve success,” Harish Kumar said. The operations also resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of weapons, explosives, and other materials.

He acknowledged the cooperation of his forces and the public, saying, “Thanks to my teams and the citizens, our state remains secure and continues to progress.” Harish Kumar noted that several Maoists are abandoning forest hideouts and moving toward towns and urban centers.

Operations are ongoing, as a Maoist known as Devji remains at large. Harish Kumar also mentioned that police forces from Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and three to four other states are collaborating to eliminate Maoist activity across the region by March 2026.