Amit Shah Declares Bastar, India Free From Naxalism Ahead Of 2026 Target

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday declared that Naxalism has been completely eradicated from Bastar and across the country ahead of the March 31, 2026, target, crediting security forces for the achievement.

Addressing a press conference after the 26th meeting of the Central Zonal Council in Jagdalpur, Shah said the bravery and sacrifices of security personnel played a key role in eliminating the remaining Naxal presence in the region.

The Union Home Minister said anti-Naxal operations gained momentum after the Bharatiya Janata Party formed the government in Chhattisgarh on December 13, 2023. He also alleged that the previous Congress government led by Bhupesh Baghel did not cooperate in the anti-Naxal campaign.

Shah said Bastar is now free from the fear of guns and violence, marking the beginning of a new phase of peace and development.

The Minister announced plans to convert nearly one-third of the 70 security camps in Bastar into ‘Veer Shahid Gundadhur Seva Kendras’. These centres will, however, provide banking, digital services, government schemes, schools, anganwadis and employment-related facilities.

The centres carry the name of Gunda Dhur, who led the 1910 rebellion against British rule in Bastar.

The Home Minister also unveiled plans to promote dairy farming among tribal women by providing cows and buffaloes under a new initiative. He said Bastar would get a large dairy network within six months.

Other projects, however, announced include the installation of 13,000 mobile towers, the opening of 890 post offices, the establishment of model schools, Industrial Training Institutes and a super-speciality hospital, along with skill development support for over 90,000 youths and women.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the meeting.