CHHATTISGARH Home Minister Vijay Sharma on Tuesday described March 31 as a ‘historic day,’ asserting that the armed cadre of Naxalism has effectively ended in State. Addressing a press conference at the Raipur Press Club, he said the decades-old insurgency issue has been resolved within a span of two years through a coordinated and multi-dimensional approach. Sharma said the turning point came after the formation of the BJP government in December 2023, when a high-level meeting involving Security Forces and police leadership from neighboring states was convened. The review revealed that nearly 75 percent of Naxal activity and around 90 percent of its armed cadre were concentrated in Chhattisgarh, particularly in Bastar, making the state the center of the insurgency. He credited Amit Shah for setting a definitive deadline to eliminate armed Naxalism by March 31, 2026, calling it a bold and unprecedented decision. According to Sharma, a detailed roadmap was later presented in Delhi, focusing on coordinated operations, intelligence strengthening, and community engagement. Sharma said intelligence gathering was significantly enhanced using technology, enabling security forces to conduct precise operations with minimal risk. He claimed that these efforts resulted in zero casualties among security personnel during several key operations. He also dismissed earlier allegations by opposition leaders regarding fake encounters, stating that even Naxal leadership had acknowledged casualty figures consistent with official records.

 

Highlighting the role of local communities, Sharma said people of Bastar played a crucial part by withdrawing support for Naxal groups and encouraging youth to return to mainstream life. Panchayati Raj representatives, community leaders, journalists, and civil society groups were actively involved in persuading cadres to opt for rehabilitation. He emphasised that the government consciously moved away from the term “surrender,” promoting rehabilitation with dignity. Feedback mechanisms, including outreach initiatives and communication in local languages such as Gondi, were introduced to build trust. Rehabilitation centers were established across districts, offering training, housing, and reintegration support. According to Sharma, nearly 3,000 Naxals have been rehabilitated over the past two years, while around 2,000 were arrested and 536 neutralised. He claimed that about 99 percent of the armed cadre has been eliminated, with only a small number of individuals remaining scattered in parts of north and south Kanker. These individuals, he said, are no longer organised and are eligible for rehabilitation. He added that some members linked to the DKSZC are currently operating outside the state, particularly in Telangana, and were not included in the state’s figures.

 

Within Chhattisgarh, he asserted, there are no active structured armed units remaining. Sharma also spoke about efforts to counter Naxal influence through cultural and social initiatives such as the Bastar Olympics and Bastar Pandum, which saw participation from lakhs of youth. Former insurgents from other states who had successfully reintegrated were brought in to share their experiences, creating a ripple effect among local cadres. He further highlighted the voices of victims of Naxal violence, including those injured in IED blasts, who have begun asserting their rights and engaging with democratic institutions. Some of these victims recently reached out to national platforms, raising awareness about their experiences. Calling it a victory of democracy, Sharma said the ideology of capturing power through armed struggle has been rejected, and people are now actively participating in governance and development. He concluded that Bastar is witnessing a new phase where residents can move freely and demand development without fear, marking a decisive shift from decades of conflict.