India Halves Left-Wing Extremism Hotspots as Anti-Naxal Push Accelerates
The number of most-affected districts has dropped from 12 to 6, with over 100 Maoists killed and 50 surrenders in 2025 as the government targets a Naxal-free India by March 2026.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the reduction of most-affected Left-Wing Extremism districts from 12 to 6, marking a significant milestone in the fight against Naxalism.
- Over 100 Maoists have been killed in Chhattisgarh in 2025, with 18 killed in a single day during recent anti-insurgency operations.
- Fifty Maoists, including top rebel leaders, surrendered in Bijapur ahead of Prime Minister Modi's visit to the region to launch development projects.
- The government has deployed thousands of security forces, established 17 new camps, and initiated infrastructure projects to combat insurgency and develop affected regions.
- With a goal of eliminating Naxalism by March 31, 2026, the Modi administration continues its zero-tolerance policy and development-focused strategy in Maoist strongholds like Bastar.
Hindustan Times 
Free Press Journal 
