Amit Shah Affirms Commitment to Eradicate Naxalism in Chhattisgarh by March 2026
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Raipur, Dec 15 (NationPress) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday reiterated the government’s resolve to rid Chhattisgarh of Maoism by March 31, 2026, while praising the state police’s efforts in combating Left-wing extremism over the past year.
During an event held to commemorate the President's Colour Award awarded to the Chhattisgarh Police, Shah urged Maoists to reintegrate into society and take advantage of the state government's surrender policy.
“I have maintained contact with the Chhattisgarh Police throughout the years on anti-naxal operations and I can confidently state that it is one of the most valiant forces in the nation, combating naxals and improving the lives of citizens,” he remarked.
Applauding the force's accomplishments over the last year, the Union Home Minister noted that 287 extremists were neutralized, nearly 1,000 were arrested, and 837 chose to surrender during this period.
“Thanks to the Chhattisgarh Police, the top 14 naxals have been eliminated,” he added, mentioning that for the first time in 40 years, fatalities among troops and citizens had dropped below 100 in a single year.
The Union Minister emphasized that the motto of “Viksit Chhattisgarh, Viksit Bastar” would receive renewed support from the Chhattisgarh Police, which received the President's Colour Award even before reaching 25 years of service, a remarkable feat for a police force.
Shah credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the significant reduction in fatalities among security forces and civilians, with a 73% drop in the last decade compared to the preceding one.
When Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee established the state in 2000, the citizens elected a BJP government for 15 years. “Now, with Vishnu Deo Sai elected as CM, I assure you that we will eliminate naxals from Chhattisgarh before March 31, 2026.”
He commended the state police for their achievement and expressed confidence that the President’s flag on their uniforms would bolster their morale.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also congratulated the state police for their recognition and emphasized the initiatives undertaken by both the Modi government and the state to provide 15,000 houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana for surrendered extremists.
He further highlighted programs such as educational reservations, financial aid, land grants for agriculture, and financial support for students from surrendered Maoists' families.
CM Sai also elaborated on the welfare measures for victims of Maoist violence, including reservations in technical colleges for affected students, skills training for women, and land allocation for housing and agriculture for those impacted by Left-wing extremism.
