Are We Close to Eradicating Maoism? Insights from HM Amit Shah
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Commitment to eradicate Maoism by 2026.
- Development projects planned for Bastar by 2030.
- Provision of essential services to every resident.
- Focus on economic growth through cooperatives and industries.
- Support for surrendered individuals and malnutrition initiatives.
Bastar, Dec 13 (NationPress) Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated on Saturday that the government's forces are nearing the goal of eradicating Left Wing Extremism from the nation by March 31, 2026.
During the closing ceremony of the Bastar Olympics-2025 held in Jagdalpur, he expressed confidence that by the time the Bastar Olympics-2026 take place in November-December next year, Red terror will be completely eliminated throughout the country, including Chhattisgarh.
“A Maoist-free Bastar will be advancing towards development,” he asserted, standing alongside Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma.
The Union Home Minister emphasized that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the commitment has been made to liberate both Bastar and India from Maoism.
He urged that the efforts should not stop there, aiming for the Bastar division—which encompasses the seven districts of Kanker, Kondagaon, Bastar, Sukma, Bijapur, Narayanpur, and Dantewada—to become the most developed tribal region in the nation by December 2030.
According to him, it is the government's mission to ensure that every individual in Bastar has access to a house, electricity, a toilet, drinking water via taps, a gas cylinder, 5 kg of food grains, and free medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh.
The Union Home Minister reiterated the goal of transforming Bastar into the most developed tribal area in the next five years.
He remarked that, with the collaboration of Prime Minister Modi and the government of Chhattisgarh, they aim to forge ahead in the development of Bastar.
He assured that each village in Bastar will be connected by road, provided with electricity, and banking facilities will be available within a 5-kilometer radius, alongside a dense network of health centers.
He also mentioned the establishment of cooperative units for processing forest produce in Chhattisgarh.
All seven districts of Bastar are projected to become the leading districts for milk production among tribal areas, enhancing their income through dairying, stated HM Shah.
He highlighted plans for new industries, higher education facilities, the construction of India’s best sports complex, and state-of-the-art hospitals in Bastar.
Moreover, HM Shah announced a special initiative to combat malnutrition, along with an attractive rehabilitation policy for those who have surrendered or suffered injuries due to Maoism.
In the Bastar Olympics-2025, there were seven teams from the districts along with one team consisting of surrendered Maoists.
He expressed joy at the sight of over 700 surrendered Maoists participating in the games.
He remarked that those misled by Maoists into destructive paths have now chosen to embrace sports, as evidenced by the more than 700 youths who have laid down arms and returned to the mainstream.