Bastar (Chhattisgarh): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday reiterated his resolve to "completely eradicate" Naxalism from the country by March 31, 2026.
Addressing the public during the closing ceremony of the Bastar Olympics-2024, Shah highlighted the significant progress in combating Naxalism over the past decade, citing a 73 per cent reduction in the deaths of security personnel and a 70 per cent decline in civilian casualties in regions once dominated by Naxals.
"In the last 10 years, we have fought Naxalism on multiple fronts. Today, there is a 73 per cent reduction in the deaths of security personnel and a 70 per cent decrease in civilian deaths in areas that have been Naxal strongholds since 1973. By March 31, 2026, we will completely eradicate Naxalism from the country," Shah asserted.
The Home Minister credited the enhanced effectiveness of anti-Naxal operations to the formation of a BJP government in Chhattisgarh. He remarked that during the initial five years, the campaign lacked support from the state government, but after the BJP assumed power, the operations gained significant momentum.
"In the first year of the BJP government in Chhattisgarh, 287 Naxals were killed, 992 were arrested, and 837 surrendered," Shah said.
He also appealed to Naxals to surrender, abandon their weapons, and join the mainstream to contribute to the nation's progress.
"I urge all Naxals to surrender, give up arms, and become part of the mainstream to work for the welfare of the country. I can proudly say that Chhattisgarh's surrender policy is the most attractive in the country," he added.
Earlier in the day, Shah reiterated the commitment of the Centre and the Chhattisgarh government to eliminate Naxalism. He commended the Chhattisgarh Police for their achievements in the fight against Naxals.
Shah arrived in Chhattisgarh on Saturday for a three-day visit, scheduled from December 14 to 16. During his visit, he will chair a high-level security review meeting in the state capital, Raipur, to assess the security situation and related developments. He is also scheduled to visit Jagdalpur to interact with surrendered Maoists, local residents, and intellectuals.
