Amit Shah urges Maoists to surrender, join Bastar’s development journey

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the state government’s Bastar Pandum festival, Shah emphasised the government’s determination to end Maoism by March 2026

Published on: Apr 5, 2025, 16:23:04 IST

By Ritesh Mishra

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Dantewada (Chhattisgarh): Development cannot be blocked with bullets and bombs, union home minister Amit Shah said in Chhattisgarh on Saturday.

Union home minister Amit Shah and Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai at the 'Bastar Pandum' festival in Dantewada. (@ChhattisgarhCMO)

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the state government’s Bastar Pandum festival, Shah emphasised the government’s determination to end Maoism by March 2026 and urged Maoists to surrender, assuring them of safety and integration into the mainstream.

“The era of violence in Bastar is coming to an end. I appeal to my Maoist brothers to give up arms and join the mainstream. No one rejoices when a Maoist is killed—they are our own. But development cannot be blocked with bullets and bombs,” Shah said.

Shah added that those who surrender will receive full protection and support from both the Union and state governments. “This region has been deprived of development for five decades. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to transforming Bastar in the next five years,” Shah said.

Also Read: Ready for peace talks if govt stops operations, says CPI (Maoist)

Highlighting the need for basic amenities, Shah said that development would only be possible when children attend schools, healthcare facilities are functional in tehsils, and every citizen has access to identity documents, ration cards, and health insurance.

He praised Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai and deputy CM Vijay Sharma for incentivised peace efforts, noting that villages that facilitate Maoist surrenders and declare themselves Maoist-free will receive development projects worth ₹1 crore.

Also Read: The battle for Maoist stronghold Abujhmad

Shah said that 521 Naxals have surrendered so far in 2025, following 881 surrenders in 2024. “Those who now understand that progress comes not from grenades and IEDs, but from pens and computers, have chosen a new path,” he said.

Celebrating the cultural significance of ‘Bastar Pandum,’ Shah announced that the festival will be organised at the national level next year and said he would invite President Droupadi Murmu to inaugurate it and bless the tribal communities.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ritesh Mishra
Ritesh Mishra is the State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh with Hindustan Times. He reports on Maoism, internal security, politics, mining, governance, and major developments shaping the state. Based in Raipur, he has covered Chhattisgarh since 2016, reporting extensively from the Bastar region and other conflict-affected areas. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism, Ritesh has built a reputation for ground reporting from some of India's most challenging terrains. His coverage spans Left-Wing Extremism, counter-insurgency operations, elections, tribal affairs, environmental issues, infrastructure, mining, and socio-economic developments. He has reported on major security operations, policy initiatives, wildlife crime, and the changing dynamics of conflict and development in Central India. Before moving to Chhattisgarh, Ritesh spent eight years reporting from Madhya Pradesh, covering politics, administration, crime, development, and social issues. Throughout his career, he has reported on various forms of extremism in Central India, combining field reporting with in-depth analysis to produce accurate, balanced, and impactful journalism. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Ritesh worked with The Pioneer and The Free Press Journal, where he covered a wide range of beats and honed his skills in political, investigative, and field reporting. His reporting is marked by exclusive stories, extensive fieldwork, and a commitment to factual, on-the-ground journalism that brings complex issues to a wider audience.Read More

Check India news real-time updates, latest news on Hindustan Times and more across India.