Amit Shah Declares Bastar Naxal-Free, Marks Historic Turning Point in Left Wing Extremism Battle

Amit Shah on Tuesday declared Bastar “completely free from Naxalism,” describing it as a historic milestone in India’s long-running battle against left-wing extremism. Addressing the 26th Central Zonal Council meeting in Bastar, the Union Home Minister said the development marked the beginning of a new phase focused on governance, infrastructure, justice delivery, and economic growth in regions once heavily affected by insurgency. Shah credited the achievement to coordinated efforts between the center, state governments, security agencies, and intelligence forces.

Calling it a major success for the Narendra Modi-led government, Shah said the campaign against Naxalism succeeded because of a “whole of government approach” where security operations and development initiatives progressed together. He congratulated Narendra Modi on what he termed the achievement of a “Naxal-free India.” The high-level meeting was attended by 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, along with senior officials from participating states.

Despite celebrating the milestone, Shah cautioned that the broader mission was not yet complete. He noted that several affected regions had remained behind in development for decades because of insurgency and instability. According to the Home Minister, the government’s next priority would be ensuring these districts catch up with the rest of the country in areas such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and employment opportunities. He emphasised that the fight would continue until every affected area achieved equal development standards.

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Shah also highlighted the functioning of Zonal Council meetings under the Modi government, calling them a successful example of cooperative federalism. He said the Central Zone, comprising Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, was now free not only from Naxal violence but also from pending interstate disputes. According to him, the number of Zonal Council meetings increased significantly after 2014, with discussions and dispute resolutions improving sharply compared to the previous decade.

The Home Minister used the platform to push states on governance and law enforcement reforms. He urged chief ministers to intensify efforts against malnutrition, strengthen school education systems, reduce student dropout rates, and improve implementation of rural development programs. Shah also stressed the need for faster justice delivery in crimes against women and children, saying timely DNA testing in rape and POCSO cases could improve conviction rates. He additionally directed states to upgrade cyber fraud helpline 1930 call centers in line with Union Home Ministry standards.

In one of his strongest remarks during the meeting, Amit Shah proposed an ambitious target for India’s justice system, saying all criminal cases — from trial courts to the Supreme Court — should ideally be resolved within three years before 2029. He said speedy justice was essential for strengthening public trust in institutions and ensuring long-term national progress. Drawing a parallel with the anti-Naxal campaign, Shah stated that just as the country was moving toward eliminating insurgency, it must now work toward ensuring timely justice for every citizen.

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