Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 28: Union home minister Amit Shah on Sunday outlined the government’s comprehensive strategy to end Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), emphasizing a blend of security measures, development, and political engagement. Speaking at the concluding session of ‘Bharat Manthan-2025: Naxal Mukt Bharat’ at Vigyan Bhavan, Shah called on insurgents to abandon violence, assuring them of a warm reception and rehabilitation if they choose to surrender.

Highlighting progress under the Modi-led government, Shah pointed to a dramatic reduction in violence — with security personnel deaths down by 70% and civilian fatalities by 85% in LWE-affected regions over the past decade compared to the previous one. He reported that more than 10,500 Maoists have surrendered, while many others have been neutralized, arrested, or detained.

“We do not want to kill anyone. Our surrender policy is designed to be attractive, offering rehabilitation and a new life,” Shah said. He also noted a significant decline in the flow of arms to insurgents since 2019.

Framing the fight against LWE as not only a security challenge but an ideological battle, the Home Minister urged society to expose and reject those who provide ideological, legal, or financial support to extremist groups. “We want to know who backs the Maoists in these ways and call on them to come forward,” he said.

Shah also drew parallels with improvements in Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast, crediting better connectivity, governance, and effective law enforcement. He mentioned the revocation of Article 370 as a turning point and highlighted reduced violence alongside high voter participation as signs of normalization in Jammu and Kashmir.

The government has set an ambitious goal to make India free from Left-Wing Extremism by March 31, 2026.