Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said India became free from Naxalism ahead of the March 31, 2026 deadline due to the courage and sacrifice of security forces, asserting that people in Bastar are now living without fear.

Addressing a press conference in Jagdalpur, Shah said an atmosphere of confidence and optimism about the future is now visible across Bastar, one of the regions most affected by Left-wing extremism.

“The climate of fear and the stifling reality of living under the shadow of guns have now come to an end, and Bastar is finally breathing freely. It is a matter of joy for all of us that Bastar has become Naxal-free,” Shah said.

Recalling a meeting held on August 24, 2024, Shah said the Centre had announced a target to eliminate Naxalism from the country by March 31, 2026.

“Thanks to the valour, courage and sacrifice of the security forces, Naxalism was eradicated ahead of the March 31 deadline,” he added.

The Home Minister also criticised the previous Congress government in Chhattisgarh led by Bhupesh Baghel, alleging that it did not support the Centre’s campaign to make India free from Naxalism.

“Several non-BJP governments supported us in the Naxal-free campaign, but the Congress government in Chhattisgarh did not support us,” Shah claimed.