Bijapur (Chhattisgarh) [India], December 19 (HBTV): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday visited Gundam village in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur, once a key Maoist stronghold, and interacted with villagers while reaffirming the government’s commitment to eradicating Maoist insurgency by March 31, 2026.

Gundam, where security forces established a Forward Operating Base (FOB) on February 14 this year, was known as the den of Bastar's most-dreaded Maoist leader, Madvi Hidma, commander of the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army.

Highlighting significant progress, Shah assured villagers that the influence of Naxalism has been confined to a limited area and urged them to benefit from various government welfare schemes. He pledged that essential infrastructure, including roads, electricity, schools, hospitals, and clean drinking water, would be provided within a year.

"Send your children to school regularly," Shah urged villagers, emphasising the transformative power of education. He also encouraged them to seek free medical treatment at the nearby camp hospital rather than relying on traditional remedies.

Shah informed villagers about government schemes such as free 35 kg rice distribution and the Maternity Welfare Scheme. He directed the district administration to organise public service camps to help villagers obtain essential documents like Aadhaar cards, ration cards, bank passbooks, and Ayushman cards.

Stressing the importance of financial inclusion, Shah remarked, "A bank passbook is crucial for accessing all government welfare schemes."

During his visit, the Home Minister inspected the village’s primary school, interacted with students, and motivated them to focus on their education. He also engaged with local women, explaining how education could transform their lives.

While addressing security personnel at the Gundam FOB, Shah directed them to take decisive action against armed Naxals. He advised forming small teams to adopt villages, helping strengthen the government’s outreach and build trust among locals.

Gundam, once used by Naxals as a training camp and for celebrating 'Sahidi Diwas,' has seen a transformation since coming under security forces' control. Located about 10 km from Puwarti, the home village of Maoist leader Madvi Hidma, it stands as a symbol of regained territorial control.

Hidma, the youngest member of the CPI (Maoist) central committee, has orchestrated several deadly attacks, including the 2010 Dantewada massacre that claimed 75 CRPF personnel and the 2017 Sukma attack that left over two dozen people dead. Despite a Rs 1 crore bounty on his head, he remains at large. (ANI)