Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on his two-day visit to Chhattisgarh, made significant promises to surrendered Maoists, pledging rehabilitation and a path forward free of violence. Speaking at an event in Bastar’s Jagdalpur, Shah emphasized that the killings must stop and that integration into the mainstream society was the key to ending the violence.
In his address, Amit Shah noted a historic milestone: for the first time in four decades, the death toll of civilians and security personnel in Maoist-related violence has fallen below 100, a statistic he credited to the strict policies of the Narendra Modi government.
Shah, expressing his satisfaction over the year’s progress, said, “I am happy that we did a lot in this one year. But killing is not the way forward.” His comments come at a time when the government is intensifying efforts to end the Maoist insurgency, particularly in Chhattisgarh, one of the worst-hit regions.
The Home Minister’s message to surrendered Maoists was clear. He reassured them that the government would ensure their proper rehabilitation, urging them to encourage others to follow suit. Shah emphasized the importance of rehabilitation over violence, highlighting the efforts to reintegrate surrendered militants into society. As part of his promise, Shah outlined that each surrendered Maoist would receive 15,000 houses under housing schemes, along with a cow or a buffalo to aid in starting dairy cooperatives. This initiative, he said, would ensure a steady income of Rs 15,000 per month for their families.
In his commitment to the region’s future, Shah also touched on the ‘Bastar Olympics,’ a sports initiative aimed at uniting the youth of Bastar through athletics. With over 1.6 lakh participants from seven districts, the event not only encourages sports but also functions as a talent scout for professional athletes.
Before heading to Bastar, Shah visited Raipur, where he presented the prestigious ‘President’s Colour’ to the Chhattisgarh Police, a recognition of their role in combating the Maoist insurgency.
Shah continued to outline the government’s strategy, revealing that over the past year, security forces neutralized 287 Maoists, arrested 1,000, and facilitated the surrender of 837 militants. He reiterated the government’s goal of eradicating Naxalism by March 2026.
The Home Minister’s focus on rehabilitation and his efforts to provide support to those who choose to leave the path of violence is a critical part of the government’s broader strategy. Shah also suggested that the Naxal rehabilitation policy being developed by Chhattisgarh would serve as a model for other states, aiming to strengthen and uplift the lives of former Maoists and their families.
Shah concluded by stating, “If a girl from Bastar can win an Olympic medal in 2036, it will send a strong message to the Maoists. It will show that violence is not the way forward and can set an example before the world.”
This news report is curated with insights from multiple reliable news sources.
