Raipur, February 13 Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma on Friday said that 532 Naxalites have been killed, 2004 have been arrested, and 2,700 have surrendered since January 2024 in the state, adding that the government is committed to ending the Maoist menace by March 31, 2026.
Addressing a press conference to highlight the achievements of the Home department, a portfolio he holds, Sharma also asserted that sustained security operations and rehabilitation efforts are yielding significant results in the fight against Naxalism.
"The government's resolve against Naxalism is clear. We are working with full force to ensure that Naxalism is completely eradicated from Chhattisgarh by March 31, 2026," he said.
Sharma said that security forces have recovered around 1,100 weapons, including AK-47 rifles, INSAS rifles, self-loading rifles, light machine guns, mortars, and pistols, since January 2024.
"Six members of the Politburo and Central Committee of the Maoist outfit have been killed, while two have surrendered. A total of 17 members of the Special Zonal Committee were killed, seven surrendered, and one was arrested during this period," he said.
Sharma said that he had long awaited the day when the number of surrenders would surpass arrests, calling the current trend "a matter of satisfaction."
"Seven rehabilitation centers are operational in the state. So far, around 1,700 former Naxalites, including 410 women, have completed training in various skills at these facilities, while 232 are currently undergoing training. All surrendered Naxalites are provided welcome kits, including mobile phones, to help them reconnect with society," he said.
Aadhaar, ration, and Ayushman cards are being prepared for them (surrendered ultras), and exposure visits to Raipur are being organized, Sharma added.
Appeals for surrender are being broadcast through radio stations in Jagdalpur, Saraipali, and neighboring states, the deputy CM pointed out.
He added that the government aims to extend development to every village in Bastar, including access to schools, electricity, drinking water, hospitals, and anganwadis, and ensure that the Constitution is implemented in every corner of the region.
On the Integrated Criminal Justice System (ICJS), Sharma said that the Centre has developed a unified digital platform linking police, prosecution, forensic units, courts, and prisons.
Chhattisgarh was among the first states to implement the system, which has been fully rolled out in Bilaspur and Durg districts and will be expanded across the state within six months, he said.
Sharma said that 38 cases related to religious conversion were registered between 2001 and 2023, while the figure rose to 67 in 2024 and 2025.
The increase reflects the government's seriousness in addressing the issue to maintain social harmony and stability, he added.
The state's Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), set up in 2016-17, registered its first FIR in 2025 in a case related to alleged links with terror outfits such as ISIS, he said, adding that the squad is being strengthened.
On illegal immigration, Sharma said that a Special Task Force (STF) has been formed in all districts, and a toll-free number has been launched to lodge complaints, and holding centers have been notified for the first time.
So far, 34 illegal immigrants have been deported, while action against others is underway, he said.