Jashpur (Chhattisgarh) [India], May 6 (HBTV): Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Friday reiterated the state government’s commitment to eliminating Naxalism, stating that while the door remains open for peace talks, the government is fully prepared to respond firmly to any continued violence.

Addressing the ongoing anti-Naxal operations, Sai said: 'As far as peace talks are concerned, ever since we came to power, we have kept the door open for them (Naxalites). They have been told repeatedly that you people should leave this language of bullets and violence and join development and come into the mainstream.'

He noted that several Naxalites have already chosen the path of peace and development, leaving behind violence. However, for those who continue to embrace arms, the government will respond with decisive measures.

'Many people have also come, but those who will not agree now, those who understand the language of guns or violence, the government is ready to deal with them accordingly,' Sai stated.

He also cited Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s pledge to eliminate Naxalism from the country by March 31, 2026, expressing confidence in achieving that goal. 'Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also resolved that by March 31, 2026, Naxalism will be eradicated from the entire country and I am fully confident that this will be accomplished,' he added.

Meanwhile, Congress leader and former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel met the family of Dinesh Miraniya, who was killed in the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

The mortal remains of Miraniya arrived at his residence in Raipur on Thursday, where several political leaders gathered to pay their respects and attend his last rites. Miraniya was among the 26 victims, mostly tourists, who were gunned down by terrorists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday.

Recounting the harrowing events, Neha Miraniya, wife of the deceased, shared details of the family’s trip to Kashmir and the moment the tragedy unfolded.

'We had planned a family trip to Kashmir as the children wanted to visit. On April 22, we arrived in Pahalgam and intended to proceed to Gulmarg next. We planned to leave Pahalgam around 1:00–1:30 PM, but our daughter wanted to engage in some activities, so we were scattered across the area. By 2:00 PM, I stepped away to use the washroom. When I returned, I heard gunshots. I was in complete shock. I didn't have my phone or purse, as they were with my husband,' she recalled.

She described the panic and confusion that followed: 'I asked people for a phone to call my son. He told me a horse rider had saved him during the firing and that he was safe. Later, I found my daughter outside a hospital where the injured were being taken. Her clothes were blood-stained, and she had sustained a minor injury. She said that her papa had been shot. I was terrified, especially knowing my husband had a blood clotting condition.'

Neha said she contacted relatives while locals helped her search for her husband. 'My son received a call, and soon after, I saw my husband's body lying in front of me,' she said.

She expressed her gratitude for the respect shown by Union Home Minister Amit Shah at the funeral and appealed to the government to recognise her husband as a martyr and support her children.

'Amit Shah ji had come there (Pahalgam), he gave such a beautiful farewell to my husband, gave him a martyr-like farewell, so I am hopeful that the government will give the title of martyr to my husband... I hope that the government will also put its hand on the heads of my children and maybe give them some support. I am their daughter, so they (government) are my family, so they will definitely help me.'

(ANI)