Bastar Naxal Countdown: 256 Eliminated in 4 Years, Eradication by March 2026

• Bastar, a former Naxal stronghold, is undergoing rapid transformation due to continuous anti-Naxal operations.
• Between 2021-2025, 256 Naxalites were killed, while 23 security personnel sacrificed their lives.
• Naxal incidents, IED blasts, and civilian killings have significantly reduced, and development work has increased.
• Deputy CM Arun Sao aims for a Naxal-free Chhattisgarh by March 2026, with ongoing operations targeting remaining armed groups.
• Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to visit Chhattisgarh to review operations and future strategy.

Why It Matters: Bastar sees significant Naxal decline with 256 eliminated; government targets complete eradication by March 2026.