Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ending Maoism in Chhattisgarh by March 31, 2026. He praised the efforts of the state police in combating Left-wing extremism over the past year.
Amit Shah spoke at an event in Raipur to celebrate the President’s Colour Award for Chhattisgarh Police. He urged Maoists to join the mainstream and take advantage of the state government’s surrender policy.
“I have been in touch with Chhattisgarh Police for anti-Naxal operations. I can confidently say that they are among the most courageous forces in the country,” he said.
Shah highlighted the achievements of the police force. In the past year, 287 extremists were neutralized, nearly 1,000 were arrested, and 837 surrendered. He also noted that 14 top Naxals were killed by the police.
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For the first time in four decades, fatalities among troops and citizens had fallen below 100 in a year, Shah said. He credited these improvements to the tireless efforts of Chhattisgarh Police.
The Union Minister also emphasized the slogan “Viksit Chhattisgarh, Viksit Bastar,” which he believes will receive even greater contributions from the police. He praised the force for receiving the President’s Colour Award before completing 25 years of service, calling it a rare achievement.
Shah praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, which he said led to a 73% reduction in fatalities among security forces and a 70% decrease in civilian deaths over the past decade.
He also referenced Chhattisgarh’s political history. “When Atal Bihari Vajpayee created the state in 2000, the BJP led it for 15 years. Now, with CM Vishnu Deo Sai, we are committed to ending Naxalism by March 31, 2026.”
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai congratulated the police for receiving the award. He also highlighted the efforts of both the Modi government and the state government to support surrendered extremists. The government has provided 15,000 houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
Sai also mentioned various welfare programs for the victims of Maoist violence. These include educational reservations, financial assistance, agricultural land grants, and skill development for women.