Jagdalpur (Chhattisgarh), October 4, 2025 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday ruled out any talks with Naxals, asserting that the insurgents must lay down their arms and accept the government’s “lucrative surrender and rehabilitation policy.”
Speaking at the ‘Bastar Dussehra Lokotsav’ and ‘Swadeshi Mela’ in Jagdalpur, the Home Minister declared March 31, 2026, as the deadline to eliminate Naxalism from Bastar and all affected regions.
“Some people have called for talks with Naxals. But what is there to talk about? Both the Central and Chhattisgarh governments are committed to development. A lucrative surrender-and-rehabilitation policy has been framed — come forward and surrender,” Shah said.
He shared that he prayed at Maa Danteshwari Temple for the strength of security forces to free Bastar from “red terror” and warned that those disrupting peace will face a strong response.
Rejecting narratives that Naxalism emerged from a struggle for development, Shah said, “Entire Bastar has been deprived of progress because of Naxalism — not because of lack of government efforts.”
Highlighting welfare initiatives, he said villages across India now enjoy electricity, drinking water, roads, health insurance of ₹5 lakh, toilets, and free ration, but Bastar’s development was obstructed by Naxal activities.
“The Narendra Modi government has given more than ₹4 lakh crore to Chhattisgarh for development in the past 10 years. After March 31, 2026, Naxalites will not be able to stop your progress or your rights,” Shah assured the gathering.
He appealed to the local populace to convince those misled by Naxalism to renounce violence and join the mainstream, reiterating the government’s commitment to tribal welfare and inclusive growth.
Shah also praised the 75-day-long Bastar Dussehra festival as one of the world’s longest and most culturally significant celebrations, showcasing the region’s rich tribal heritage and spirit of resilience.
