Home Minister Amit Shah Encourages Maoists to Choose Peaceful Development

Dantewada (Chhattisgarh), April 5 (NationPress) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday made a heartfelt plea to individuals engaged in Maoist activities to lay down their weapons and choose the path of peace and development.

The Home Minister, during his visit to Chhattisgarh's Bastar to partake in the Bastar Pandum festival and to evaluate the anti-Maoist measures initiated by the Union government, which aims for a Maoist-free India by 2026, emphasized the need for reintegration into society and participation in the developmental progress led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"No one finds joy in the loss of life, even if it pertains to a Naxal (Maoist). The Prime Minister dreams of a prosperous Bastar, but this vision can only be achieved in a peaceful environment," he stated during his address at the festival.

In a vision of hope, he urged the community to envision a Bastar where children can freely attend school, every village has access to healthcare, and every resident enjoys seven kg of free rice along with comprehensive health insurance.

"These dreams can only become reality when the people of Bastar collectively decide to free their villages from Naxalism (Maoism)," he remarked.

To encourage this transformation, Amit Shah mentioned the commitment made by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, who promised Rs 1 crore to any village that achieves the goal of being Maoist-free.

"I call upon you to lay down your arms and join us in this collective journey toward progress and development," he urged.

Highlighting Prime Minister Modi and his government’s dedication to uplifting the underprivileged, Shah referenced the elevation of Odisha’s impoverished tribal daughter, Droupadi Murmu, to the presidency. He expressed hope that she would grace next year’s Pandum festival, a gesture that would inspire and honor the region.

Shah contrasted his government’s achievements with the "inaction" of previous Congress administrations, listing unprecedented accomplishments under PM Modi: the construction of 4 crore houses, 12 crore toilets, tap water access for 15 crore households, free rations for 80 crore people, and free medical treatment for 70 crore citizens.

"Where the Congress failed to act, this government has delivered," he emphasized.

Discussing recent surrenders, Shah highlighted that over 500 individuals have opted to abandon violence this year. He assured those who surrender a place in mainstream society but cautioned that those who continue their Maoist activities would face firm action from security forces.

The Union Home Minister reflected on the evolving landscape of Bastar, a region previously associated with violence, now filled with the sounds of machinery producing new goods. Schools that were once empty now echo with the sounds of children returning to classrooms.

"To those still involved in militancy, persuade your comrades to surrender and join the mainstream. We foresee a new generation of professionals emerging from Bastar, Kanker, Sukma, and every corner of Chhattisgarh," he stated.

Amit Shah reiterated his Bharatiya Janata Party’s commitment to the safety and prosperity of villagers, emphasizing the cultural renaissance underway in Bastar.

The Bastar Pandum festival, celebrating tribal artistry and culture, is set to gain international recognition. This year, an impressive 47,000 artists participated, showcasing the rich traditions, dialects, cuisine, and crafts of Bastar. Amit Shah announced plans to broaden the festival’s scope next year to cover twelve categories, further enhancing its cultural significance.

The Bastar Pandum, alongside Chhattisgarh’s proactive governance, stands as a symbol of a region on the rise, steadily progressing towards peace and prosperity, the Union Home Minister stated.

On this occasion, Amit Shah also paid homage to iconic figures like the late Maharaja of Bastar, Pravir Chandra Bhanj Deo, and veteran politician Babu Jagjivan Ram.