Naxalism to be eliminated from India by March 31, says Home Minister Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday asserted that Naxalism will be completely eliminated from India by March 31, 2026 , expressing confidence in the capabilities of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to meet the government’s deadline.

Addressing the 87th Raising Day parade of the CRPF at Guwahati , the first such parade ever held in the Northeast, Shah said the force has played a decisive role in overcoming some of the country’s most serious internal security challenges, including terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, Naxalism, and insurgency in the Northeast.

“I can rely on the CRPF and say with confidence that we will eliminate the Naxal problem from the country by March 31, 2026,” the Home Minister said.

Shah lauded the CRPF for its recent successes against Maoist insurgents, particularly Operation Black Forest , a 21-day operation conducted in the Karregutta Hills in April–May 2025, during which 31 Naxals were killed. He noted that CRPF personnel operated under extreme conditions, including temperatures of up to 46 degrees Celsius, to dismantle a major Naxal stronghold.

Recalling the security situation a decade ago, Shah said India faced three major “festering wounds” terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, Naxalism, and insurgency in the Northeast which have now been largely transformed into regions of peace and development. “These areas, once known for bombings, bullets and blockades, are today contributing to the country’s growth and progress,” he said.

The Home Minister underlined that such progress would not have been possible without the sacrifices of the CRPF. He said around 700 personnel were killed in the Northeast, 780 in Naxal-affected areas and 540 in Jammu and Kashmir , adding that 2,270 CRPF jawans have laid down their lives in the force’s 86-year history. In Assam alone, 79 personnel sacrificed their lives in the pursuit of peace, he said.

Shah also highlighted that following the abrogation of Article 370 , not a single bullet was fired in Jammu and Kashmir, crediting the CRPF for maintaining law and order during the transition.

During the ceremony, the Home Minister conferred Gallantry Medals on 15 CRPF personnel , while six officers were awarded the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service . Trophies were also presented to the best-performing battalions.

Earlier, CRPF Director General G P Singh said Operation Black Forest had “broken the back” of Naxalism , reiterating that the insurgency would be eradicated by the March 31 deadline.

The parade, held at Sarusajai Stadium, featured eight CRPF contingents from across the country, including women personnel, Rapid Action Force units and CoBRA commandos. The ceremony concluded with tactical demonstrations, including jungle warfare and simulated anti-Naxal operations.