Odisha stands at threshold of becoming free from Naxalism: Amit Shah
New Delhi, December 25
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said a significant milestone has been achieved towards making India Naxal-free after six Naxalites were neutralised in a major operation in Kandhamal district of Odisha.
In a post on X highlighting the development, Shah said the operation marks a major breakthrough in the fight against Left-Wing Extremism and brings Odisha closer to being completely free of Naxalism.
"A significant milestone towards Naxal-free Bharat. In a major operation in Kandhamal, Odisha, six Naxalites, including Central Committee Member Ganesh Uike, have been neutralised so far," Shah said.
He added that with this success, Odisha stands at the threshold of eliminating Naxalism entirely. Reiterating the Centre's resolve, the Union Home Minister said the government is determined to eradicate Naxalism from the country.
"We are resolved to eliminate Naxalism before March 31, 2026," Shah said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday termed the killing of six Naxalites, including Central Committee Member Ganesh Uike, another major breakthrough in making Odisha completely free from Naxalism.
Uike, who carried a bounty of Rs 1.1 crore on his head and was the chief of the banned outfit in Odisha, was neutralised in Kandhamal district in the security forces' operation that started on Wednesday night and concluded on Thursday morning. He was a key leader in the banned CPI (Maoist) and carried a long history of orchestrating attacks against security personnel and civilians.
Odisha, along with parts of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra and Telangana, has historically been affected by Left-Wing Extremism.However, in recent years, the state has witnessed a steady decline in Naxal-related violence due to sustained operations by central and state security forces, improved intelligence coordination, and focused development initiatives in remote and tribal areas.
The Union government has been pursuing a multi-pronged strategy to counter naxalism, combining strong security measures with development initiatives, including improved road connectivity, mobile networks, banking access, and welfare delivery in affected regions.
The establishment of forward operating bases and enhanced inter-state coordination have further strengthened counter-insurgency efforts.
Officials said the latest operation in Kandhamal underscores the effectiveness of this approach. With the neutralisation of senior leadership and shrinking operational space for naxal groups, authorities believe Odisha is now close to being declared free from Left-Wing Extremism, marking a crucial step towards the Centre's larger goal of eradicating Naxalism nationwide within the stipulated timeline.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While the security success is commendable, I hope the government is equally focused on the development part. Just removing Naxals isn't enough. The tribal communities in Kandhamal need schools, hospitals, and job opportunities so that the youth don't feel alienated. That's the permanent solution.
A Rs 1.1 crore bounty! That shows how dangerous he was. Good riddance. My cousin serves in the CRPF in Bastar, and he says the morale is high with such successes. Hope the 2026 deadline is met. Peace is essential for progress.
As someone who has traveled in rural Odisha, the improvement in security over the last decade is noticeable. Villagers feel safer. The combination of roads, mobile towers, and security camps seems to be working. A hopeful sign for the region's future.
Respectfully, I have to point out that the term "neutralised" is used very casually. We must ensure that operations are conducted with utmost care to avoid any collateral damage or human rights violations in tribal areas. Winning hearts is as important as winning battles.
Odisha has come a long way. Remember the days when news from Kandhamal was always tense? This is a result of sustained effort. Kudos to the state and central forces for their coordination. Now, accelerate the development projects promised for these areas. 🙏
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