Chhattisgarh’s Deputy Chief Minister, Vijay Sharma, announced on Friday that 532 Naxalites have been killed, 2,004 arrested, and 2,700 have surrendered in the state since January 2024. He emphasised the government’s commitment to fully eradicate the Maoist threat by March 31, 2026. Addressing a press conference, Sharma reviewed the accomplishments of the Home department, which he oversees, and stated that ongoing security operations and rehabilitation initiatives are yielding positive outcomes in the struggle against Naxalism.
Significant Weapons Recovery and Organisational Impact
According to Sharma, approximately 1,100 weapons have been recovered by security forces during this period. These include AK-47 rifles, INSAS rifles, self-loading rifles, light machine guns, mortars, and various handguns. He noted that six members of the Maoist Politburo and Central Committee have been killed, with two having surrendered. The actions taken have also resulted in the deaths of 17 Special Zonal Committee members, seven surrenders, and one arrest.
Ongoing Rehabilitation Efforts for Former Naxalites
Sharma expressed hope that the trend of surrenders will continue to surpass arrests, deeming it a positive development. Currently, seven rehabilitation centers are operational across the state, where approximately 1,700 former Naxalites, including 410 women, have completed various skill training programs. An additional 232 individuals are currently undergoing training. All individuals who surrender receive welcome kits that include mobile phones to assist in their reintegration into society.
Government Initiatives for Surrendered Naxalites
To support former Naxalites, the government is preparing Aadhaar, ration, and Ayushman cards for them. Plans for exposure visits to Raipur are also being organised. Sharma highlighted that appeals for surrenders are being broadcasted through local radio stations in areas such as Jagdalpur, Saraipali, and adjoining states as part of broader efforts to facilitate their return to society.
Development Goals in the Bastar Region
The Deputy Chief Minister addressed the government’s vision for development across every village in the Bastar region, emphasising the need for access to essential services such as education, electricity, potable water, healthcare, and anganwadis. He reiterated the commitment to ensuring that constitutional rights are upheld in every locality.
Advancement of Integrated Criminal Justice System
On the topic of the Integrated Criminal Justice System (ICJS), Sharma noted that the Centre has implemented a comprehensive digital platform that connects various components of the justice system, including police forces, prosecutors, forensic units, courts, and prisons. Chhattisgarh is among the pioneering states to have fully deployed this system, which has been operational in the Bilaspur and Durg districts and is set to expand statewide within the next six months.
Addressing Religious Conversion Cases and Anti-Terror Efforts
Sharma revealed that 38 cases related to religious conversions were filed between 2001 and 2023. However, this number surged to 67 for the years 2024 and 2025 combined. This rise indicates the government’s serious approach in tackling issues related to social harmony. The state’s Anti-Terrorism Squad, established in 2016-17, recorded its first FIR in 2025 involving alleged connections to terror groups such as ISIS, and efforts to strengthen this squad are ongoing.
Measures Against Illegal Immigration
In response to illegal immigration, Sharma announced the formation of Special Task Forces in all districts. A toll-free hotline for reporting incidents has also been set up, and holding centers for illegal immigrants have been designated for the first time. So far, 34 illegal immigrants have been deported, with further actions in progress against others.
