After 21 Maoists surrender, Amit Shah reaffirms 2026 deadline to end Left-wing extremism

A day after 21 Maoists, including 13 senior cadres, laid down arms in Chhattisgarh's Kanker district, Union home minister Amit Shah on Monday reaffirmed the government's aim to eliminate Left-wing extremism (LWE) by March 31, 2026.

The group surrendered on Sunday, handing over 18 weapons to local authorities. Shah shared the development on X, noting that the surrender marked another step in the ongoing efforts to dismantle Maoist influence in the region.

"Glad to share that 21 Maoists have surrendered along with their arms in Kanker district, Chhattisgarh Out of them, 13 were senior cadres," said the post. Commending those who chose to return to the mainstream, Shah on Monday urged the remaining Maoist operatives to abandon violence and surrender at the earliest.