Lay down arms and join mainstream: Amit Shah to Naxals

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday made a strong appeal to Naxals to lay down arms and join the mainstream. Addressing a gathering of tribals in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh, during the concluding ceremony of the Bastar Pandum festival, Shah said that the fight against Naxalism is not directed at individuals but focused on ensuring the safety and future of tribal villages.He urged those still carrying weapons to surrender, assuring them of dignified rehabilitation under the state’s attractive package, which has already encouraged more than 2,500 people to renounce violence. However, he warned that those who plant improvised explosive devices, attack villages, or destroy schools will face decisive action, stressing that violence will be met with firm resistance and that Maoism has brought nothing but destruction. Highlighting the remarkable transformation in Bastar, Shah said the region is now emerging as a shining example before the nation. Schools closed for decades have reopened, and he pledged that within five years, Bastar will become the most developed division in Chhattisgarh. By December 27, every village will have electricity, mobile connectivity, and full access to hospitals, colleges, post offices, and other essential facilities, HM Shah told a mass gathering of tribal people of Bastar.

बस्तर की पहचान बारूद नहीं, यहाँ की समृद्ध परंपरा, संस्कृति और विरासत हैं। pic.twitter.com/fgQ7Bn8Bfq

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) February 9, 2026

Shah also paid tribute to the security forces — Chhattisgarh Police, DRG, CRPF, ITBP, and BSF — who have sacrificed lives and limbs in the fight against Naxalism.