Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], April 23 (HBTV): Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma stated that the BJP-led state government is open to unconditional dialogue with Naxals and urged them to choose rehabilitation and reintegration into mainstream society.

Sharma, who holds the Home Ministry portfolio in the state, told ANI that Naxalites do not have any specific demands and aim to establish a government through violent means.

‘Protests occur all over the world on specific demands, and governments address them if they fall within Constitutional limits. There is nothing unusual in that. PM Modi had also introduced a law for farmers which was beneficial, but the government withdrew it because the farmers wanted so. But in Chhattisgarh, what are the demands of Naxalism? What do they want?’ Sharma questioned.

He added, ‘They have never submitted any list of demands or letters to the government. They simply want to establish their rule at gunpoint and dismantle democracy. They want Maoism here, similar to what existed in China. That is not possible. This is why ending Naxalism is taking time. Union Home Minister Amit Shah resolved to end insurgency in the northeastern states. Our party resolved to abrogate Article 370, and we accomplished that in 2019. Earlier, bomb attacks were common in the country, but now they are rare. There was a time when terrorists were fed biryani. Now, the Modi government won’t allow such things.’

The Deputy Chief Minister said the government is focused on bringing development and infrastructure to Bastar, where there is a serious lack of basic facilities such as water, roads, electricity, and connectivity.

‘The people of Bastar want an end to Naxalism. Thousands of individuals, even at the age of 30, have never seen a TV in their lives. This is also a part of India,’ he said.

‘These areas lacked electricity, phone networks, schools, and hospitals. Such conditions are intolerable,’ he added.

He said the government, under Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, is committed to ensuring development reaches these areas. ‘The government wants to initiate a dialogue and help them join the mainstream,’ Sharma said.

He also mentioned the government's surrender policy and willingness to rehabilitate Naxalites who choose to give up arms.

‘Various states and governments have previously formed committees and attempted negotiations, but all failed. If they (Naxals) want to negotiate, they can. If they want to send a representative for talks, the government will guarantee their safety,’ he stated.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has pledged to eradicate Naxalism in Chhattisgarh by March 2026, with notable progress already achieved. The Ministry of Home Affairs informed the Rajya Sabha that there has been an 81 per cent decline in Naxal violence over the past 14 years since its peak in 2010, when 1,936 incidents were recorded.

(ANI)