Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday met a group of former Naxals, who had surrendered and are now engaged with the security forces in anti-Naxal operations. Shah reiterated that the anti-Naxal operations in the country are in their final stages and that Naxalism will be completely eradicated by the end of March 2026.

“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country will be completely free from Naxalism before March 31, 2026,” the Union Home Minister said in Chhattisgarh.

He pointed out that in the fight against Naxalism over the last year, security forces had killed 287 Naxals, arrested 1,000, and witnessed 837 surrenders.

“Due to the strict policy of the Modi government against Naxalism, for the first time in four decades, the death toll of civilians and security forces has fallen below 100,” Shah said.

He commended the Chhattisgarh Police for their efforts in “realising the dream of a Naxal-free and drug-free India,” adding that their contributions will be “written in golden letters”.

Shah further appealed to the remaining Naxals to abandon the path of violence, join the mainstream, and contribute to development.

Around 30 former Naxals, both men and women, from Chhattisgarh’s Bastar, Maharashtra, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, met the Union Home Minister in Jagdalpur in Chhattisgarh.

“I am the happiest person today, even more than you or your family, as our painstaking efforts to convince you to surrender and join the mainstream have borne fruit,” Shah told them.

He added, “You should all pass on the message to your former colleagues that violence is not the way forward. All Naxals should come forward and surrender. The government will take care of their needs.”

The former Naxals, who spoke to India Today, expressed their determination to end the menace.

Jaymati Banjam, a 35-year-old former Naxal who had a bounty of Rs 5 lakh on her head, said she became disillusioned with the double standards of Naxal leaders. Jaymati, who once attacked security personnel, is now a District Reserve Guard (DRG) member. When she surrendered, she received a reward of Rs 5 lakh and a job.

Dhananjay, who was part of the district committee of Naxal commanders, now works for a private security company and also assists the security forces. He said he got the job on the collector’s recommendation. He alleged that Naxal leaders are hypocritical, kill tribals over minor mistakes, and act out of greed for money.

Another ex-Naxal, Bhimasodi, questioned the purpose of becoming a Naxal and killing one’s own people. Russi, also a former militant, highlighted the positive impact of developmental activities in the region.