Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Mr. Amit Shah visited Chhattisgarh’s capital, Raipur, on Monday and held an interaction with commanders and commandos of the Border Security Force (BSF). His visit came a day after he met the family of senior police officer Mr. Akash Rao Giripunje, who was martyred in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast triggered by Naxalites in Nava Raipur.
Commitment to End Naxalism by March 31, 2026
While addressing a gathering at the inauguration ceremony of the Chhattisgarh i-Hub, Mr. Shah reiterated the central government’s strong resolve to eliminate Naxalism from India by March 31, 2026.
“I had said that on March 31, 2026, this country will be free from Naxalism, and I would like to reiterate today that the way the security forces have shown valour, we will achieve this goal,” Mr. Shah said.
He appealed to Naxalites engaged in armed resistance to lay down their arms and join the mainstream. He also endorsed the Chhattisgarh government’s surrender policy, encouraging militants to take advantage of the rehabilitation measures offered.
Praise for Chhattisgarh Government’s Anti-Naxal Operations
Mr. Shah commended the leadership of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Mr. Vijay Sharma for reviving and accelerating anti-Naxal operations in the state.
“The biggest achievement of Vishnu Deo Sai’s government and the state’s Home Minister, Vijay Sharma, is that they restarted the stalled anti-Naxal operations with full force. Both leaders have not only accelerated these efforts but have also provided consistent guidance, which has significantly motivated the police and security forces,” he said.
Encouragement for Naxalites to Surrender
Mr. Shah described the state’s surrender policy as “impressive” and urged Naxalites to abandon violence and join in the development of the state.
“Vishnu Deo Sai has curated a very impressive surrender policy; come and surrender and contribute to the development of Chhattisgarh. It did not require any talk. Have faith in the government. Surrender your arms and join the mainstream,” he appealed.
Support for Children from Naxal-Affected Areas
As part of his outreach, Mr. Shah also interacted with children from Naxal-affected areas of Chhattisgarh. Under the state government’s Liyor Oyna scheme, he distributed books and educational materials to the children, reaffirming the government’s focus on inclusive development and education in conflict-hit regions.
The Home Minister’s visit underlines the Centre’s firm stance on combating Naxalism through both security operations and inclusive development, with continued coordination between central forces and the state government.
