News Brief
Amit Shah Sets March 2026 Deadline To Eliminate Maoism From Chhatisgarh's Bastar
Union Home Minister Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday (4 October) has set a deadline of 31 March 2026 to Maoism from Bastar, ruling out any possibility of dialogue with the Naxals, reported The New Indian Express.
He said Maoists must lay down their arms and embrace the government’s “lucrative surrender and rehabilitation policy.”
Speaking at the Bastar Dussehra Lokotsav and Swadeshi Mela in Jagdalpur, Shah urged tribal communities to guide local youth toward peace and progress.
“I want to tell all my tribal brothers and sisters to persuade the youth of their villages to lay down their arms. They should shun violence, join the mainstream and become part of the development of Bastar,” he appealed.
Rejecting calls for talks with Maoists, Shah reiterated the government’s commitment to development in conflict-affected regions.
“Some people have called for talks (with Naxals). Let me make it clear again that both the Chhattisgarh and Central governments are committed to development across Bastar and all Naxal-affected areas. What is there to talk about? A lucrative surrender-and-rehabilitation policy has been put in place. Come forward and lay down your weapons,” he asserted.
He added, “As soon as a village becomes Naxalite-free, the state government will give it Rs 1 crore for development.”
Warning against attempts to disrupt peace, Shah said security forces, including the CRPF and state police, would respond firmly.
He also blamed Naxalism for Bastar’s lack of development.
During his visit, Shah attended the Muria Darbar event, launched the Chief Minister Rural Bus Service Scheme for better connectivity, and transferred the 20th instalment of Rs 1,000 to women beneficiaries under the Mahtari Vandan scheme.
