Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], October 31 (HBTV): Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced that north Bastar and Abujhmad have been declared completely free from Naxalism, marking a defining moment in the state's journey towards peace and development. He said the transformation of these regions—once synonymous with fear—into symbols of trust and progress proves that ‘Bastar is no longer a land of violence, but a land of hope.’
CM Sai stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, India now stands on the threshold of eradicating Naxalism once and for all.
Referring to the surrender of 258 Naxalites over the past two days, he described it as a powerful message that the might of the gun is fading before the strength of trust. Over the past 22 months, 477 Naxalites have been neutralised, 2,110 have surrendered, and 1,785 have been arrested — figures that he said reflect the government's firm resolve to make Chhattisgarh free from the red menace.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the goal of achieving a Naxal-free Chhattisgarh by March 31, 2026, is now within reach. He credited the success to the state’s Naxalite Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy 2025 and the Niyad Nella Nar Yojana. The double-engine government’s sensitive policies, the establishment of new security camps, and the growing faith of citizens in governance have together driven this transformation.
‘So far, 64 new security camps have been set up in previously affected regions,’ CM Sai noted. ‘These camps have not only strengthened our security grid but also carried the light of development and confidence to every village.’
Paying tribute to the courage of security forces, he said, ‘It is their indomitable spirit and dedication that have freed Bastar from fear and placed it firmly on the path of peace.’ He added that Abujhmad and north Bastar are now completely rid of Naxal terror, while operations in south Bastar have reached a decisive phase. He praised the Niyad Nella Nar initiative for laying a foundation of dialogue, empathy, and development in the region.
Reiterating the government’s stance, CM Sai said, ‘Our policy is unambiguous — there is no place for violence. Those who choose the path of peace and progress are welcome. But those who continue to spread terror with guns will face the full might of our security forces.’
Making an appeal to remaining Naxalites, he said, ‘The path of violence brings endless suffering, while surrender opens the way to a new life and a new beginning. For the future of your motherland and the happiness of your families, lay down your arms and walk into the light of development.’
India’s nationwide campaign against Naxalism has reached a major milestone. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in a post on X, announced that Abujhmad and north Bastar—once considered impregnable Naxal strongholds—have now been completely liberated.
Shah said this achievement represents not only a major triumph for India’s internal security apparatus but also the dawn of a new era of trust, development, and compassion. In the past two days alone, 258 Naxalites have chosen peace over violence, he noted.
Praising those who surrendered, Shah described their decision as ‘a reflection of their commitment to a brighter future and to the unity of the nation.’ He appealed to all remaining Naxalites to abandon violence, return to the mainstream, and join India’s march toward progress.
(ANI)