Chhattisgarh: Bastar IG reaffirms commitment to ending Naxalism by March 2026
Bastar, December 26
Bastar Inspector General P Sundarraj has reiterated the commitment to end Naxalism in the country by March 2026, saying that effective action is continuously being taken as per the central and state governments' orders.
These remarks came after an encounter broke out between the security forces and Naxals in Odisha, claiming the life of Ganesh Uikey, a central committee member.
P Sundarraj said that the ten Naxal cadres of high-priority have been neutralised in the operation until now, underlining that the Naxals left have only one option left, which is to quit the life of violence and join the mainstream.
"Today, an encounter broke out between security forces and Naxals in Odisha. The dead body of Ganesh Uikey, a central committee member, was recovered... Effective action is continuously being taken as per the central and state governments' orders to bring an end to Naxalism by March 2026. Ten of the top-most Naxal cadres have been neutralised in operations so far... The top leadership of the Naxal organisation has nearly been wiped out. The remaining ones have only one option: to give up violence and join the mainstream..." he said.
Earlier, on Thursday, Odisha's Director General of Police (DGP), Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, confirmed that the Union Home Minister has set a deadline of March 2026 for all security forces to eradicate Naxalism.
DGP Khurania expressed the Odisha police's full commitment to this mission, emphasising recent successes in ongoing operations against Naxal groups in the state.
"The Union Home Minister has given a deadline of March 2026 to all security forces to bring Naxalism to an end. Odisha police is dedicated to working towards that. Over the last 3-4 days, Odisha police have achieved great success," Khurania said.
The official said that on December 22, 22 Naxals surrendered in the Malkangiri district, surrendering their weapons in a major success for the Odisha police.
"On 22 December, 22 Naxals surrendered in the Malkangiri district, along with their weapons. On 24 December, in Kandmal, there was an exchange of fire between SOG and Naxals, in which two Naxals were neutralised. Large quantities of ammunition were recovered. This morning, in a big operation at the border of Kandmal and Ganjam, there was an exchange of fire at multiple places in which 4 Naxals have been neutralised," the DGP said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
My brother serves in CRPF in Bastar. This news is a morale booster for the forces. But March 2026 seems very ambitious. It's a complex issue rooted in poverty and lack of governance. Hope the government's plan includes long-term rehabilitation.
Surrender of 22 Naxals is a big achievement! 👏 The 'join mainstream' message is crucial. We need to ensure those who surrender get proper training and jobs, not just temporary relief. Otherwise, they might go back.
While the security success is commendable, I hope the 2026 deadline doesn't lead to excessive force or human rights violations in these remote regions. The solution must be peaceful and sustainable for the tribal communities living there.
Good to see coordination between state police and central forces. Odisha and Chhattisgarh police are doing great work. The recovery of ammunition is a major blow to their supply chain. Salute to the bravery of our security personnel.
As someone from a nearby district, we just want peace. For decades, development projects get stalled because of this violence. If the top leadership is really wiped out, maybe schools and hospitals can finally be built without fear.
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