Amit Shah Renews Appeal to Maoists: Surrender and Embrace Development in Bastar
Amit Shah urges Bastar Maoists to surrender for dignified rehabilitation and development.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday renewed his appeal to Maoists in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region, urging them to lay down arms and join the mainstream of development. Speaking at the concluding ceremony of the Bastar Pandum festival in Jagdalpur, Shah stated that the fight against Naxalism targets violence, not individuals, and focuses on ensuring the safety and future of tribal communities.
Shah assured that those who surrender would receive dignified rehabilitation under the state’s existing packages, which have already encouraged more than 2,500 ex-Naxals to renounce violence. At the same time, he warned that attacks on villages, schools, or civilians, and the use of improvised explosive devices, would be met with firm and decisive action by security forces.
Highlighting Bastar’s transformation, the Home Minister said schools closed for decades have reopened and pledged that within five years, the division would become the most developed in Chhattisgarh. He announced plans for universal electricity, mobile connectivity, healthcare, and education access across all villages by December 27, alongside promoting adventure tourism, homestays, and other income-generating opportunities.
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Shah unveiled several major infrastructure projects, including a 118-acre industrial zone, a 120-megawatt Indravati power project, the Rs 3,500-crore Raoghat-Jagdalpur rail line, river interlinking initiatives, and vocational training programs for 90,000 youth. He emphasized that these initiatives aim to boost employment, economic activity, and long-term development once Naxalism is eradicated.
The Home Minister also celebrated Bastar’s rich tribal heritage, home to communities such as the Abuj Maria, Gond, Muria, and Halba. He praised the Bastar Pandum festival for promoting traditional arts, music, and dance nationally, announcing that the top performers in 12 categories would be invited to Rashtrapati Bhavan to meet the President, reflecting Bastar’s vibrant culture.
Concluding his address, Shah paid tribute to the sacrifices of security personnel including Chhattisgarh Police, DRG, CRPF, ITBP, and BSF in combating Naxalism. He reaffirmed confidence that Bastar would be completely free of violence, stating that the region’s true identity lies in its unparalleled art, music, and heritage, rather than in conflict, invoking chants of “Jai Danteshwari Mai” and “Vande Mataram” to inspire unity and pride.
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