Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared on September 20, 2024, that the Indian government is committed to eradicating Naxalism and its underlying ideology, with plans to eliminate Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in Chhattisgarh by March 31, 2026.
During a meeting with victims of LWE violence facilitated by the Bastar Peace Committee in New Delhi, Shah urged Naxals to renounce violence, disarm, and surrender. He stated, “If Naxals ignore my appeal to abandon violence, we will soon launch an all-out operation against them.”
“In the Northeast and Jammu & Kashmir, many individuals have surrendered their weapons and reintegrated into society; we welcome the same here. However, if this does not happen, we will initiate a major campaign against LWE and ensure its success,” he added.
Shah also noted that the spread of Naxalism has now been largely confined to just four districts in Bastar. “There was a time when Naxalism flourished across the region, with ambitions of establishing a corridor stretching from Pashupati (Nepal) to Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh). We are determined to end LWE in Chhattisgarh by the target date,” he affirmed.
“The responsibility of the Home Ministry is to uphold the rule of law throughout the nation. Naxalism poses a challenge to internal security. Prime Minister Modi has made it clear that we will eradicate Naxalism and its ideology from India,” he emphasized.
Addressing the victims of LWE violence, Shah expressed, “Your suffering will bring attention to those in power who have remained indifferent. They prioritize the human rights of armed individuals while neglecting the plight of orphaned children and those affected by violence.”
Government Actions: New Rehabilitation Policy for LWE Victims
The Union Cabinet has approved various initiatives proposed by the Chhattisgarh government under the PM Awas Yojana, which includes plans for toilets and home electrification. A new rehabilitation policy for LWE victims is set to be announced within the next three months.
Published – September 20, 2024 11:12 am IST
