Naxalism has made tribals suffer for 35 years: Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said Naxalism has been a major catastrophe for poor tribal regions, killing nearly 40,000 people and leaving scores disabled over the last 35 years.

Interacting with security personnel in Nawa Raipur, Shah said Naxal violence deprived the poor tribal population of basic necessities such as food, electricity, education, housing, toilets, and clean drinking water — let alone any possibility of industrial development; and it was due to this that entire regions were forced to live in conditions akin to slavery for decades.

Addressing the personnel, the Union Home Minister paid tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the Central Armed Police Forces, CoBRA teams, Chhattisgarh Police and the District Reserve Guard (DRG).

He said, "I have full faith that it is the bravery and tireless efforts of our security forces that make the battle against Naxalism a success."

Shah said the way security forces had dismantled Maoist hideouts with immense courage, patience, and commitment has astonished security forces across the world. "I know that what our jawans set out to achieve, they always accomplish," he added.

"It is the trust in our security forces inspired by which I keep reiterating that we will eradicate Naxalism before the 31st of March 2026," he reiterated.

The Home Minister expressed satisfaction that as Naxalism is being eliminated from various regions, the Chhattisgarh Government is ensuring the delivery of food, healthcare, education, electricity, housing, sanitation, and clean drinking water — thereby connecting people with the mainstream of development.

“When a child picks up a pencil instead of a gun and begins writing 'Ka, Kha, Ga', it doesn’t just change the future of that child, but of the entire nation,” he said. “That moment is near.” The Union Home Minister said when the country becomes free from Naxalism in March 2026, it will be one of the most significant moments since Independence.

He said when the history of the eradication of Naxalism is written, the sacrifice, devotion, and hard work of our security forces will be inscribed in golden letters.