258 Naxalites Surrender in Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra, Amit Shah Calls It a ‘Major Blow’ to Insurgency

October 16, 2025

New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday announced that 258 Naxalites have surrendered over the past two days across Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra, marking a major success in the Centre’s campaign to eradicate Left-Wing Extremism.

‘Naxalism Is Breathing Its Last’: Amit Shah

Making the announcement on his official X handle, the Home Minister said,

“170 Naxalites laid down arms today in Chhattisgarh, following 27 who surrendered yesterday. In Maharashtra, 61 Naxalites also surrendered yesterday, bringing the total to 258 individuals who have renounced violence and expressed renewed faith in the Indian Constitution.”

Calling it a “major success in the fight against Naxalism,” Shah praised those who chose peace over violence and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ending the decades-long insurgency.

He said the mass surrender was the outcome of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong and consistent policy of combining strict action with rehabilitation, adding that “Naxalism is breathing its last.”

Government’s Policy: ‘Surrender or Face Action’

Reiterating the government’s stance, Shah stated,

“Our policy against Naxalites is clear — those who wish to surrender are welcome, but those who continue to take up arms will face harsh action from our security forces.”

He appealed to all remaining insurgents to abandon violence and return to the mainstream, assuring that the government will support their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

Turning Point in the Anti-Naxal Campaign

Officials said the wave of surrenders reflects growing disillusionment among Naxalite cadres and increasing public resistance to extremist ideology in affected regions.

Security experts have described the development as a turning point in India’s long battle against Maoist insurgency, which has claimed thousands of lives over several decades.

With more surrenders expected in the coming weeks, the government believes the movement is steadily losing ground, paving the way for peace and development in some of India’s most violence-affected districts.