‘Maoism may end in C’garh before Mar 2026 deadline’

Over the last 2 years, India has launched a fierce onslaught on Maoist insurgents in central India, almost wiping them out in their former citadel in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region.

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Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai speaks during the 23rd edition of the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit.

(HT PHOTO)

In an interview with Sunetra Choudhury, Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai spoke about his government's programmes for Maoist-hit areas, the rehabilitation programmes and development schemes. Edited excerpts:

The government has announced that it will end left-wing extremism by March 2026. But we have heard that the target can be met before the deadline. Absolutely. Naxalism was the biggest impediment to development in Chhattisgarh. Our government will complete two years on December 13. Since we came to power, we launched an intensive crackdown under the double-engine government. Our Prime Minister has already set a target of March 31, 2026.

Our jawans are motivated and taking the fight to the Naxals because of the guidance under home minister Amit Shah. So far 487 Naxals, including their top cadres, have been neutralised. The surrenders and arrests are also high. We are confident that the target will be met. For now, the deadline is March 31, 2026, but it may be achieved before that.