Dantewada (Chhattisgarh) [India], April 11 (HBTV): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said that Naxalism will be completely eradicated from the country by March 2026. He stated that Naxalism is nearing its end in Bastar and reaffirmed the BJP government's commitment to freeing India from what he termed Laal Aatank.
‘In the last three months, 521 Naxals have surrendered. A total of 881 Naxals surrendered in 2024. I assure you that those who surrender will be inducted into the mainstream. But those who continue to bear arms will be dealt with by security forces. Bastar is no longer a symbol of fear but of a future,’ Shah said while addressing a gathering at the Bastar Pandum programme.
‘Agle March tak, hum poore desh ko is laal atank se mukt karne ka kaam Bharatiya Janata Party ki sarkar karegi (By next March, the BJP government will work to free the entire country from Naxalism),’ he added.
Shah also recalled earlier times when political leaders were discouraged from visiting the region.‘Leaders used to be stopped from giving speeches here. The Chief Minister would say, “Don’t go.” But now, we are celebrating Ram Navami and Ashtami with 50,000 Adivasi brothers and sisters,’ he said.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma shared the stage with Shah. Cabinet Ministers Kedar Kashyap and Ramvichar Netam, as well as BJP State President Kiran Singh Dev, were also present at the event.
During the Bastar Pandum celebration, Shah honoured local artists and praised their contributions to preserving tribal culture.
Earlier in the day, Shah offered prayers at the Maa Danteshwari Temple in Dantewada.
Meanwhile, surrendered Naxalites and people affected by Naxal violence in Chhattisgarh’s Balrampur district are receiving benefits under a special project of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) for the first time.
Chief Executive Officer of District Panchayat Balrampur, Nayantara Singh Tomar, said on Friday that under the special scheme, PMAY benefits are being extended to those affected by Naxal incidents or those who have surrendered.
‘A list of 77 people was received, out of which 30 were found eligible, and 23 have already been approved for housing. After addressing technical issues, the remaining 7 will also be approved,’ Tomar said.
(ANI)