Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday, 15 October 2026, declared that every remaining vestige of Naxalism must be wiped out, asserting that the Modi government's mission of creating a Naxal-free India has been achieved. Addressing a ceremony for people affected by Naxalism in Chhattisgarh via video conferencing, Shah said it is now time to heal the wounds inflicted by left-wing extremism and ensure that every victim can lead a life of dignity.

Shah's Core Message: From Elimination to Rehabilitation

'Just as Naxalism has been brought to an end, every remaining vestige of it must also be wiped out,' Shah emphasised, stressing that Bastar must once again become a vibrant and thriving region. He acknowledged significant contributions from traditional tribal leadership in driving this transformation. The Home Minister framed the ceremony within the broader Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, organised to mark 25 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public service — spanning his tenures as a state head and as Prime Minister.

Condemnation of Naxal Violence and Human Rights Violations

Shah strongly condemned the use of IED blasts by Naxals to further their political agenda, stating that these attacks have left innocent people disabled. 'There can be no greater violation of human rights than this,' he said. The remark underscores the government's framing of Naxal insurgency not merely as a law-and-order issue but as a sustained assault on the fundamental rights of tribal communities. This is a rhetorical shift that has grown more pronounced as the government consolidates its post-insurgency narrative.

Bastar's Transformation: What the Government Claims

Shah pointed out that Bastar — a region he said remained deprived of even basic services for five decades under Congress rule — is now receiving comprehensive facilities. He cited the Niyad Nellanar scheme as a key vehicle for delivering basic infrastructure to formerly insurgency-hit villages. The Chhattisgarh government's broader basket of initiatives, including the Bastar Olympics, Bastar Pandum, and the CM Collective Bus Scheme, were specifically appreciated by the Home Minister as instruments of social revival.

Assistive Devices and Rehabilitation for Naxal Victims

A central focus of the ceremony was the distribution of assistive devices to persons with disabilities — victims of Naxal violence. Wheelchairs, tricycles, crutches, hearing aids, smart walking sticks, and artificial limbs were among the aids being provided. Shah acknowledged the collaborative effort of the Chhattisgarh government, the district administration, the State Social Welfare Department, Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (Jaipur), and Bharatiya Jain Sanghatana in this endeavour. He said these efforts could usher in 'a new era of hope and happiness in Bastar.'

Centre's Continued Commitment to Chhattisgarh

The Union Home Minister reiterated that the Centre remains firmly committed to ensuring rehabilitation opportunities for every Divyang and Naxal victim in the region. He assured that the Centre stands fully alongside the Chhattisgarh government in its ongoing rehabilitation drive. With the security situation largely stabilised, the political focus is now expected to shift to longer-term economic development and social integration in the Bastar belt — a region that will remain a key test of the government's post-Naxalism governance promise.