Union Minister Amit Shah congratulates the Telangana police for their role in ensuring a Naxal-free state

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday felicitated senior police officers from Telangana in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh state. | Photo credit: negotiable

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday (May 18) thanked senior police officers of Telangana in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh for their role in suppressing Maoist activities and creating a Naxal-free state from Telangana.

Officers honored at the special event included Telangana Director General of Police CV Anand, State Security Adviser B. Shivadhar Reddy, DGP Operations Anil Kumar and Commissioner Malkajgiri B. Sumathi along with the State Intelligence Bureau (SIB) team he led. The recognition was part of the Union government’s ongoing efforts to eliminate left-wing extremism across the country.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Shah reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to build a Naxal-free society and said the target date of March 31, 2026 was set during an internal review meeting in January 2024 to completely eradicate Naxalism.

“When this goal was set, many privately expressed doubts that it could be achieved. But we moved forward with a clear vision and strategy. Today, with the blessings of Goddess Danteshwari, Bastar has been declared Naxal-free,” he said.

The Union Home Minister has described Chhattisgarh’s liberation from Naxalism as a historic milestone in the country’s long-running fight against left-wing extremism.

He said the country had faced the challenge of Naxalism for almost three generations, from the 1970s to March 31, 2026, noting that the insurgency-hit areas had witnessed bloodshed, development setbacks and insecurity for the young generation.

Mr. Shah said security personnel from several states had made the supreme sacrifice in the fight against Maoist violence, adding that this was possible due to the coordinated efforts of security forces and governments.

He noted that Naxalism was never confined to one region and remained a matter of national concern, including his home state of Gujarat.

The program held in Jagdalpur was attended by several senior officials from the central and state governments along with representatives of various security agencies.

Published – 18 May 2026 20:37 IST