New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday reiterated that India will become free of Maoist violence by March 31, 2026, asserting that the government is determined to eliminate Left-Wing Extremism across the country.

Speaking at a CISF event in Odisha’s Cuttack, Shah said the security forces had made significant progress in dismantling Maoist networks and preventing the expansion of what extremists once envisioned as a “Red Corridor”.

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"PM Modi government is determined to free the country from Naxalism by March 31, 2026, and the CISF has played a crucial role in that effort. Whether in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, or Telangana, the CISF has played a crucial role in eliminating Naxalism.... Our security forces will completely defeat those who dream of a Red Corridor from Tirupati to Pashupati and establish their dominance. This is a major achievement for our security forces under the leadership of our Prime Minister...,” he said.

Shah’s remarks come just days after he made a similar assertion while addressing the 87th Raising Day parade of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Guwahati, where he praised the force for significantly weakening Maoist influence in recent years.

Addressing the gathering at the multi-sports complex in Guwahati, Shah had said the forces responsible for internal security were on track to eliminate Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) by the same deadline.

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In another sign of the changing landscape in Maoist-affected regions, around 120 former Maoists, including surrendered Central Committee Member Rupesh alias Satish, recently visited the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly to observe the proceedings of the House.

Officials said the group included five former members of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC), seven former Divisional Committee members, 33 former Area Committee members, and 84 former members of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist).

The group, which included 54 women, also met Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, and other ministers at the Assembly complex.