Daijiworld Media Network - Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh, Apr 5: Union Home Minister Amit Shah, speaking at the conclusion of Chhattisgarh's ‘Bastar Pandum’ festival, extended a compelling invitation to Naxalites to relinquish their arms and reintegrate into mainstream society. He emphasized the government's commitment to eradicating the Naxal insurgency by March 2026 and ensuring that Maoist activities would not impede the development of Bastar's tribal communities.
"The era of gunfire and explosions in Bastar is drawing to a close," Shah declared. "I implore our Naxalite brothers to lay down their weapons and join the mainstream. You are our own people. No one rejoices in the death of a Naxalite. Surrender your arms and embrace a life of constructive participation. You cannot thwart the progress of your fellow tribal members through violence."
Shah assured that surrendered Naxalites would receive comprehensive protection from both the Union and state governments as they contribute to the region's development. "This region requires development," he stated. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi is determined to deliver transformative progress to Bastar within five years. Bastar has languished for fifty years, but change is possible when children attend schools, health facilities are accessible, and every resident possesses an Aadhaar card, ration card, and health insurance."
He stressed that genuine development could only be achieved through the active participation of Bastar's residents in creating "Naxalite-free homes and villages." He highlighted the initiatives of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, who have pledged ?1 crore in development funds to villages that successfully encourage Naxalite surrenders and declare themselves Maoist-free.
Shah outlined a dual-pronged strategy against Naxalism: "For those who recognize that development is driven by computers and pens, not weapons, we offer a path to surrender. In 2025, 521 Naxalites have surrendered, and 881 did so in 2024. Those who surrender will be welcomed into the mainstream, while those who persist in violence will face the full force of our security forces. The BJP government is committed to eliminating the threat of Red terror by March of next year."
He envisioned a transformation of Bastar from a region defined by "fear" to one defined by "future," commending the efforts of Chief Minister Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Sharma in driving development. "Where once bullets echoed, now machines hum. Once deserted villages now hear school bells. Roads, once a distant dream, are now becoming highways. Children once afraid to go to school now connect with the world through computers," he observed.
Shah appealed to the audience to hold village meetings and encourage militia members to surrender, assuring them that the "double engine government" of the BJP would safeguard their security. "Under Modi's rule, no one needs to fear," he reiterated, urging a collective effort to make every village Naxalite-free.
He also praised the Bastar Pandum festival, announcing plans to elevate it to a national platform next year and inviting President Droupadi Murmu to attend the opening ceremony. He also spoke of inviting ambassadors to the area to see the tribal culture.
Shah contrasted the Modi government's development initiatives with the Congress party's long-standing "remove poverty" slogan, highlighting the construction of millions of houses, provision of gas cylinders, toilets, tap water, and free foodgrains, and the pledge of free medical treatment.
He concluded by paying tribute to Pravir Chandra Bhanj Deo, the former ruler of Bastar, alleging his assassination by Congress leaders.
Prior to the event, Shah visited and offered prayers at the Maa Danteshwari temple in Dantewada.