Home Minister Amit Shah declares two key Chhattisgarh regions free of Naxal terror

New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday declared two of Chhattisgarh's most Naxal-affected regions - Abujhmarh and North Bastar - free from left-wing extremism and said those willing to surrender are welcome, but those continuing armed struggle will face the full force of security operations.

Shah announced that 170 Naxalites surrendered in Chhattisgarh on Thursday, a day after 27 had laid down arms in the state and 61 more in Maharashtra, bringing the total to 258 extremists who have surrendered in the last two days.

"It is a matter of immense satisfaction that Abujhmarh and North Bastar - once terror strongholds - are now free from Naxal influence. Only a trace remains in South Bastar, which will soon be eliminated," Shah said on X.


The home minister praised the surrendering Naxalites for "reposing their faith in the Constitution" and said it reflects how the insurgency is "breathing its last" due to the Modi government's relentless campaign. Since January 2024, when the BJP came to power in Chhattisgarh, 2,100 Naxalites have surrendered, 1,785 have been arrested, and 477 have been killed, he added.

Shah reiterated the Centre's policy: those who surrender will be welcomed into the mainstream, while those who continue violence will face decisive action. He also reaffirmed the government's commitment to completely eradicating Naxalism by March 31, 2026.