New Delhi, October 16 – In a significant breakthrough in India’s ongoing battle against Left Wing Extremism (LWE) or Naxalism, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced today that 258 Naxalites have surrendered across Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra in the past two days. Shah hailed this development as a "landmark day," declaring that Naxalism is "breathing its last" due to the government's sustained efforts to dismantle the insurgency.
On Thursday alone, 170 Naxalites laid down their arms in Chhattisgarh, following the surrender of 27 individuals the previous day. In Maharashtra, 61 militants surrendered on Wednesday. Shah praised their decision to rejoin society, stating that it signifies a renewed belief in the Indian Constitution and the government’s vision of peace and progress.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Shah emphasized that the mass surrender was proof of the growing disillusionment with Naxalism. "It attests to the fact that Naxalism is breathing its last due to the relentless efforts of the Narendra Modi-led government to end this menace," he wrote.
Shah reiterated the government’s two-pronged approach: "Those who wish to surrender are welcome, but those who continue to wield weapons will face the full force of our security forces." He also called on remaining Naxalite operatives to abandon violence and return to the mainstream, reiterating the government's goal of eradicating Naxalism by March 31, 2026.
Further highlighting the success of security operations, Shah noted that Abujhmarh and North Bastar in Chhattisgarh – once seen as strongholds of Maoist activity – have now been declared free from Naxal influence. He added that since the new Chhattisgarh government took office in January 2024, a total of 2,100 Naxalites have surrendered, 1,785 have been arrested, and 477 have been neutralized. "These figures demonstrate our government's unwavering commitment to eliminate Naxalism before the March 2026 deadline," Shah affirmed.
Among the recent defectors are 10 senior Maoist commanders, including Satish alias T. Vasudeo Rao (CCM), Ranita (SZCM, Maad DVC Secretary), Bhaskar (DVCM, PL 32), Nila alias Nande (DVCM, IC, Nelnar AC Secretary), and Deepak Palo (DVCM, IC, Indravati AC Secretary). Rao, a notorious figure, had a reward of Rs 1 crore on his head, while other surrendering operatives faced bounties ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 25 lakh.
In addition to the cadres, a large cache of weapons, including AK-47s, INSAS rifles, SLRs, and .303 rifles, was surrendered. This wave of surrenders marks a significant blow to the Naxal insurgency and signals the government's intensified drive to bring peace and development to the affected regions.
