Naxalism to soon become history: Rajnath

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday asserted that the menace of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) will soon become history in India, crediting the tireless efforts of police and security forces.

Speaking at the Police Commemoration Day ceremony after laying a wreath and taking the salute at the National Police Memorial in Delhi’s Chanakyapuri, Singh said, “The success of the campaign against Naxalites can be assessed from the fact that the Maoists, who once took up arms against the state, are today surrendering and integrating into the mainstream of development. Due to the tireless efforts of the security forces, this problem is now on the verge of becoming history. All our security personnel deserve to be congratulated for this.”

The Centre has declared that LWE will end in India by March 31, 2026.

“For a long time, Naxalism has been a major internal security challenge. There was a time when several districts in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Maharashtra were affected. Schools were shut, roads were missing and people lived in fear. We resolved not to let this problem persist any longer. The way our police, CRPF, BSF and local administration worked together in an organised manner is commendable,” Singh said.

He added that regions once known as “Naxal hubs” are now turning into educational hubs, and areas once called the “red corridor” have transformed into growth corridors.

Singh said the Modi government has provided resources and budget for modernising police forces, stressing the need for their optimum use through better coordination and integration among security agencies.

“In present times, the police have to fight not only crime but also perception,” he added.

Home Minister Amit Shah also paid homage to police personnel in a post on X. He said, “Warm greetings to police personnel on Police Commemoration Day. As first responders, our forces have scripted glory by thwarting crimes and threats to internal security, and by protecting citizens’ rights with exemplary courage and commitment. My solemn homage to the martyrs who laid down their lives serving the nation.”

Police Commemoration Day is observed every year in memory of 10 CRPF personnel killed on October 21, 1959, in an ambush by Chinese troops in Ladakh’s Hot Spring area.