Will Maoists be Welcomed on a Red Carpet if They Surrender?
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Synopsis
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has urged Maoists to abandon violence and embrace rehabilitation, promising them a warm welcome. As the government aims for a LWE-free India by March 2026, Shah highlights significant reductions in violence and casualties. Discover the comprehensive strategy that combines security, development, and political outreach.
Key Takeaways
- Significant reduction in violence and fatalities since 2014.
- Over 10,500 Maoists surrendered in recent years.
- Government strategy encompasses security, development, and outreach.
- Call for society to reject extremist narratives.
- Aim for a LWE-free India by March 2026.
New Delhi, Sep 28 (NationPress) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday detailed the Centre's strategy to combat Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), encouraging militants to abandon violence and seek rehabilitation, stating that "those who wish to surrender will be greeted on a red carpet".
During the valedictory session of 'Bharat Manthan-2025: Naxal Mukt Bharat' at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, the Home Minister articulated the government's approach, which encompasses security measures, developmental programs, and political engagement.
He credited the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a noticeable decline in violence and casualties, reaffirming the ambition to eradicate LWE from India by March 31, 2026.
Highlighting the achievements, he presented statistics indicating a 70 percent reduction in fatalities among security personnel and an 85 percent decrease in civilian deaths in areas affected by LWE from 2014 to 2024 in contrast to 2004 to 2014.
The Home Minister mentioned that 10,500 Maoists have surrendered, while many others have been neutralized, apprehended, or detained in recent years. "We don’t wish to kill anyone," he stated, emphasizing the attractiveness of the surrender policy and the importance of rehabilitation.
He also pointed to a significant reduction in arms supplies to insurgents since 2019.
Home Minister Shah framed the conflict as both ideological and societal, calling for the identification of those who provide ideological, legal, and financial backing to LWE.
"Who aided LWE ideologically, who financed them, and supported them socially and legally — we need these Maoists to step forward," he urged, encouraging society to reject extremist ideologies while security forces respond decisively to armed aggression.
The improvements in Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast were linked to better connectivity, governance, and law enforcement.
He also mentioned the abrogation of Article 370 and noted the decrease in security and civilian fatalities in Jammu and Kashmir, citing high voter turnout in recent elections as a sign of normalization.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the government's commitment to ending Left-Wing Extremism while prioritizing rehabilitation over violence. Amit Shah's approach emphasizes a multifaceted strategy that merges security with socio-economic development, reflecting a balanced national perspective.
NationPress
28/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the government's approach to Left-Wing Extremism?
The government is focusing on a strategy that combines security operations, developmental initiatives, and political outreach to address Left-Wing Extremism.
What are the recent achievements in reducing violence?
There has been a reported 70% reduction in deaths of security personnel and an 85% decrease in civilian fatalities in affected areas from 2014 to 2024.
How many Maoists have surrendered recently?
Over 10,500 Maoists have surrendered in recent years, with additional individuals neutralized, arrested, or detained.
What does the government offer to those who surrender?
The government emphasizes a rehabilitation policy that welcomes those who choose to abandon violence and pursue a peaceful life.
What is the target date for a LWE-free India?
The government aims to achieve a LWE-free India by March 31, 2026.
