Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday honored the Odisha Police for their achievement in rendering the state free from Naxal influence. At an event held at Badal Academy Ground in Jagdalpur, located in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar district, Shah presented a memento to DGP YB Khurania and ADG (anti-Naxal operations) Sanjeeb Panda, commending the police for eliminating Left-wing extremism (LWE) by the Centre’s deadline of March 31.

“I can declare with my head held high that India is now Naxal-free. The pledge to create a Maoist-free India was taken on August 24, 2024, and this resolve was fulfilled well before March 31,” Shah stated.

In response, Panda expressed gratitude to the Union Home Minister for acknowledging the Odisha Police’s efforts against Naxalism. He credited the success to the collaborative efforts of various units including SOG, DVF, SIW, CRPF, and BSF.

The event was attended by police officials from Chhattisgarh and other Naxal-affected states such as Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Bihar, along with personnel from CRPF, BSF, and SSB. Family members of Naxal violence victims and tribal representatives from the Bastar region were also present.

From January 2025 to March 2026, security forces neutralized approximately 27 Maoists in Odisha and Chhattisgarh, including two central committee members. Seventeen of these individuals were killed during a joint operation in Gariaband district, Chhattisgarh. Additionally, nine Maoists were arrested, and 78 surrendered to the Odisha Police during this timeframe.

Moreover, over 100 extremists operating in Odisha surrendered to police forces in Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh, thanks to extensive operations by security personnel in the state. Although Odisha is now free from the Naxal threat, the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and special units will continue until next year to prevent any resurgence of LWE, according to sources.