Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma on Friday stated that security operations against Left-wing extremism have achieved significant results, with 532 Naxalites killed, 2,004 arrested, and nearly 2,700 surrendering since January 2024. He reiterated the state government’s commitment to eliminating the Maoist insurgency entirely by March 31, 2026, highlighting a combination of intensified security action, rehabilitation initiatives, and administrative reforms aimed at restoring stability in affected regions.
Speaking at a press conference outlining the performance of the Home Department, which he oversees, Sharma said sustained anti-Naxal operations and coordinated strategies were weakening the insurgent network. He emphasised that the government’s approach balances strong enforcement measures with reintegration programmes designed to encourage militants to return to mainstream society.
According to Sharma, security forces have recovered approximately 1,100 weapons during operations over the past two years. The seized arsenal included sophisticated arms such as AK-47 rifles, INSAS rifles, self-loading rifles, light machine guns, mortars, and pistols, indicating the scale of militant capability that authorities have sought to dismantle. He also noted that several senior leaders of the Maoist organisation had been neutralised, including six members of the Politburo and Central Committee, while others either surrendered or were arrested. In addition, multiple Special Zonal Committee members were killed or taken into custody during targeted operations.
The Deputy Chief Minister described the growing number of surrenders as a positive indicator of changing ground realities, stating that he had long hoped to see surrender figures surpass arrests. To support reintegration, the government has established seven rehabilitation centres across the state. Around 1,700 former Naxalites, including 410 women, have already completed skill-development training at these facilities, while over 200 individuals are currently undergoing training. Authorities provide surrendered cadres with welcome kits, including mobile phones, to help them reconnect with families and reintegrate into civilian life. Officials are also facilitating the issuance of Aadhaar cards, ration cards, and Ayushman health cards, along with exposure visits to Raipur aimed at easing their transition back into society.
Sharma said outreach campaigns encouraging surrender are being broadcast through radio stations in Jagdalpur, Saraipali, and neighbouring regions. Alongside security measures, the government is focusing on development in Bastar and other previously inaccessible areas by expanding infrastructure such as schools, electricity supply, drinking water facilities, healthcare services, and anganwadis, with the broader aim of ensuring constitutional governance reaches every village.
He also highlighted technological reforms in law enforcement through the Integrated Criminal Justice System (ICJS), a unified digital platform developed by the Centre that links police, prosecution agencies, forensic laboratories, courts, and prisons. Chhattisgarh, he said, was among the first states to implement the system, which has already been fully operationalised in Bilaspur and Durg districts and is expected to be expanded statewide within six months.
Addressing other law-and-order issues, Sharma said cases related to religious conversion had increased in recent years, with 67 cases registered during 2024 and 2025 compared with 38 cases recorded between 2001 and 2023. He said the rise reflected stricter enforcement aimed at maintaining social harmony.
The Deputy Chief Minister further noted that the state’s Anti-Terrorism Squad, established in 2016–17, registered its first FIR in 2025 involving alleged links to international terror organisations such as ISIS, and efforts were underway to strengthen the unit’s capabilities.
On illegal immigration, Sharma said the government has formed Special Task Forces in all districts and launched a toll-free helpline to receive complaints. Holding centres have also been notified for the first time to manage such cases. Authorities have so far deported 34 illegal immigrants, with investigations and further action continuing against others identified during enforcement drives.
