Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah, Health Minister J P Nadda and others during a review meeting with Chief Ministers of Left-Wing extremism affected States, at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on Monday. (PTI)

 

 

 

 

 

TERMING Naxals the biggest human rights violators, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said security forces have been carrying out “offensive operations” instead of defensive against the insurgents and have achieved big successes in recent times. Addressing Chief Ministers and top officials of the Naxal-affected States, Shah also said that all Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected States are committed to completely eliminating Naxalism by March 2026. Due to the improved security situation, high voter turnout -- up to 70 per cent -- was witnessed in the Maoist-hit region in the last Lok Sabha polls. There was zero polling in the region earlier, he said. Shah said more than 13,000 people from the northeast, Kashmir and LWE-affected areas have renounced violence and joined the mainstream. He asked youths involved in the Maoist movement to give up arms and join the mainstream, saying all States have prepared beneficial rehabilitation schemes for them.

 

The crucial meeting, which discussed anti-Naxal operations and development initiatives carried out in the affected areas, came days after the security forces killed 31 ultras in the forests of Chhattisgarh in one of the most successful operations in recent times. “Security forces are now carrying out offensive operations instead of defensive operations earlier,” Shah said. An “offensive strategy” has been adopted by activating the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to choke the financing of Naxalites, which has resulted in a shortage of financial resources for them, he said. Multiple long-duration operations were conducted, ensuring that the Naxalites are surrounded, leaving them with no opportunity to escape, he added.

 

Complimenting the Chhattisgarh Government for the success achieved in the fight against Naxals in recent months, Shah said the State is an inspiration for everyone. The Chhattisgarh Government has launched a new campaign of development in all the districts affected by LWE. According to the Minister, 237 Naxalites have been killed, 812 arrested and 723 have surrendered in Chhattisgarh since January 2024. To completely eradicate Naxalism, Shah said, it is essential to give a final push to eliminate this menace once and for all and urged CMs of all affected States to review the progress of development and anti-Naxal operations at least once a month. Shah also requested the Directors General of Police to conduct such reviews at least once every 15 days.