NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday appealed to Left-Wing Extremists (LWEs) to renounce violence, lay down arms, and surrender to the law, urging them to join the mainstream of society like the insurgents in the northeastern region of the country.
However, Shah cautioned that if they fail to do so, an all-out operation will be launched against them.
Addressing 55 victims of Naxal violence from Chhattisgarh at his residence, Shah asserted that those indulging in left-wing extremist activities would face elimination by March 31, 2026.
He stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has resolved to eradicate Naxal violence and ideology from the country by that time.
“I appeal to Naxals to give up violence, lay down arms, and surrender, as the militants in the northeast have done. If you do not listen, then a comprehensive operation will soon be initiated to end this menace,” he emphasized. He described Naxalism as a threat to both humanity and India’s internal security.
Shah noted that security forces have made significant strides in their operations against Maoists, with the issue now confined to just a few districts in Chhattisgarh. “The central government is committed to completely eliminating Naxalism by March 2026. Thanks to the policies of the Modi government, LWE has been restricted to a few districts in Chhattisgarh,” he stated.
Shah said Maoists once aimed to establish a corridor from Pashupatinath in Nepal to Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, a plan that was dismantled by the Modi administration. Shah urged those advocating for the human rights of Naxalites to also consider the rights of those suffering at the hands of the Naxals.
Assuring that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) would formulate a comprehensive welfare scheme in the next three months for those affected by Naxal violence in Chhattisgarh, in close coordination with the state government, Shah said, “We will assist you in various ways through our welfare measures in jobs, healthcare, and other areas.”
Shah interacted with the 55 victims of Naxal violence from Chhattisgarh, who came to meet him under the auspices of the Bastar Peace Committee.
During the event, the committee screened a documentary highlighting the plight of the people affected by Naxal violence in Chhattisgarh, and some victims shared their stories with the Home Minister.