Amit Shah urges Naxalites to give up violence

Pledges development of affected regions

New Delhi, Sep 20: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has called on Left Wing Extremists to renounce violence and join the mainstream of society.

A home ministry press release said that During an interaction with victims of Naxalite violence from Chhattisgarh at his residence in New Delhi, Shah met with 55 individuals affected by the insurgency under the aegis of the Bastar Peace Committee.

He emphasized the government’s commitment to completely eliminating Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) by March 2026, expressing hope that Bastar will once again become a peaceful and developed region.

Shah also announced that within the next three months, the central government, in collaboration with the Chhattisgarh government, will introduce a comprehensive development scheme aimed at improving the lives of those impacted by LWE.

The plan will focus on providing healthcare, employment opportunities, and other welfare schemes to affected communities across the country, including Chhattisgarh. Highlighting the government’s efforts to curb the spread of Naxalism, Shah noted that the menace has now been confined to a few districts in the state. He urged Naxalites to abandon their violent ways and join the path of peace, asserting that the government’s development initiatives have conveyed a clear message that “the one who saves is greater than the one who kills.” Shah also asked those advocating the human rights of Naxalites should also consider the human rights of those who suffer because of Naxalism.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has been closely monitoring the situation and, based on a recent review, has identified 38 districts across nine states as Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas requiring special attention for planning, implementing, and monitoring various interventions. While maintaining law and order falls primarily under the jurisdiction of state governments, as ‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are state subjects, the central government actively oversees the situation and provides support and coordination to bolster state efforts in managing the threat.