In a landmark announcement, Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared that Abujhmarh and North Bastar in Chhattisgarh—long considered hotbeds of Naxal activity—have been cleared of Naxal influence following the surrender of 170 Naxalites today, October 16, 2025. This declaration signals a major milestone in India’s ongoing fight against left-wing extremism, highlighting the effectiveness of coordinated counter-insurgency and rehabilitation strategies in Naxal-affected regions.

During a press briefing, Shah hailed the day as a “landmark in the fight against left-wing extremism,” acknowledging the continued wave of surrenders that has swept across Chhattisgarh. The 170 surrenders today followed 27 Naxals who laid down arms yesterday, reinforcing the momentum of the government’s dual approach: encouraging voluntary surrender and pursuing strict action against those who continue violence.

Background of Naxal insurgency in Chhattisgarh

The Abujhmarh and Bastar regions have historically been considered among the most challenging Naxal strongholds in India due to their dense forests, difficult terrain, and socio-economic disparities that the insurgents exploited. Left-wing extremists had used these areas as bases for planning attacks, ambushing security forces, and spreading ideology among local populations.

For decades, successive governments have struggled to establish law and order in these regions, with security forces often facing guerilla warfare tactics, IED attacks, and the challenges of reaching remote villages. However, since the BJP government assumed office in Chhattisgarh in January 2024, there has been a marked acceleration in anti-Naxal operations, combining both military action and incentivized surrender programs.

Recent statistics and achievements

Union Home Minister Amit Shah provided a detailed account of the progress made since January 2024:

• 2,100 Naxalites have surrendered, opting for rehabilitation and reintegration into mainstream society.

• 1,785 Naxal operatives have been arrested in ongoing security operations.

• 477 Naxals have been neutralized through counter-insurgency actions, demonstrating the resolve of security forces to tackle violent elements.

These figures reflect a systematic and coordinated approach, combining intelligence-led operations, local engagement, and robust administrative measures to dismantle the Naxal network effectively.

Government’s dual strategy: surrender and elimination

Amit Shah emphasized that the government has followed a dual-pronged approach in addressing the Naxal challenge:

1. Rehabilitation and reintegration: Those who voluntarily surrender are provided legal protection, vocational training, and livelihood support to enable them to reintegrate into society. This approach has been a key factor in encouraging mass surrenders across Abujhmarh, North Bastar, and other affected districts.

2. Strict action against active insurgents: Simultaneously, security forces continue to neutralize those engaged in violence. The combination of rehabilitation incentives and decisive action against active Naxals has weakened the insurgency infrastructure significantly.

Shah called upon the remaining Naxals in South Bastar to renounce violence, promising them a fair chance at rehabilitation while assuring that law enforcement would continue its efforts to eliminate residual extremist activities.

Regional impact and security implications

The declaration of Abujhmarh and North Bastar as Naxal-free zones has multiple implications:

• Enhanced local security: Residents can now live without the fear of extremist attacks, enabling smoother implementation of government development programs.

• Economic development opportunities: With security restored, infrastructure projects, investments, and industrial initiatives in the region are expected to accelerate.

• Model for anti-Naxal operations: The success in Bastar and Abujhmarh provides a replicable framework for other Naxal-affected states, combining intelligence operations, local engagement, and surrender-cum-rehabilitation incentives.

Political significance

The announcement also carries political weight, reflecting the BJP government’s commitment to eliminating left-wing extremism in Chhattisgarh by March 31, 2026, as outlined by Amit Shah. The rapid increase in surrenders and reduction in active Naxal operations reinforces the government’s narrative of law-and-order success in one of India’s historically volatile regions.

Voices from the field

Security officials operating in the region noted that the mass surrenders were facilitated by targeted engagement with Naxal operatives, offering assurances of legal protection and livelihood opportunities. Community leaders in Abujhmarh and North Bastar welcomed the development, expressing hope that the elimination of Naxal influence would pave the way for better education, healthcare, and employment prospects for local youth.

Moving forward

While Abujhmarh and North Bastar are now officially Naxal-free, Amit Shah emphasized that the government’s work is not yet complete. Only traces of Naxalism remain in South Bastar, and security forces remain committed to eradicating the remaining pockets of insurgency.

The continued success of surrender programs, combined with targeted counter-insurgency operations, is expected to consolidate these gains. The government aims to create a lasting environment of peace and development across Chhattisgarh, setting the stage for a Naxal-free state by 2026.

Conclusion

October 16, 2025, marks a turning point in the fight against Naxalism in India. The surrender of 170 Naxals in Chhattisgarh and the declaration of Abujhmarh and North Bastar as Naxal-free regions represents a historic victory for law enforcement, governance, and the people of Chhattisgarh. The figures shared by Amit Shah reflect both the scale and effectiveness of the current strategy, while also sending a clear message to remaining insurgents: lay down arms or face decisive action.

This achievement underscores India’s resolute commitment to internal security, offering a blueprint for future operations against left-wing extremism and reinforcing the rule of law in previously volatile regions.

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