Centre committed to ending Maoism by March '26: Shah

RAIPUR: Union home minister Amit Shah on Sunday said the Centre and the Chhattisgarh government were committed to eradicate the menace of Maoism from the state before March 31, 2026.

- Press Trust of India

When Chhattisgarh becomes free of Maoism, the entire country will get rid of the menace, Shah said addressing the President's Police Colour Award function at the Police Parade Ground in Raipur.

The Chhattisgarh police have made a significant achievement in the fight against Maoism in the last one year, he said.

Shah also hailed the Chhattisgarh government's rehabilitation policy for Maoists and appealed to them to quit violence and join the mainstream.

"The state leadership, the chief minister, the home minister of the state have taken a pledge and the Government of India is also committed to your pledge. Together, we will completely eradicate Naxalism from Chhattisgarh before March 31, 2026. We all are committed to free Chhattisgarh from the clutches of Naxalism before March 31, 2026," he said.

When Chhattisgarh becomes Maoist free, the entire country will get rid of the menace, the Union minister said, adding it is the state police's resolve to end Maoists.

The President's Colour is not just an award, it is a symbol of service, dedication and sacrifice and it reminds of the countless challenges that police have to deal with, he said.

Shah expressed confidence that the Chhattisgarh police will discharge their responsibilities and will never step back from their duty.

"I am confident that from tomorrow the jawans of Chhattisgarh police will come out with the President's insignia on their uniforms and their morale will increase manifold," Shah said.