Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], July 6 (HBTV): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday reiterated the Government of India’s commitment to eradicate Naxalism by March 31, 2026, and urged Naxals to surrender arms and join the mainstream.

‘I had said that on March 31, 2026, this country will be free from Naxalism, and I would like to reiterate today that the way the security forces have shown valour, we will definitely achieve this goal,’ Shah said while addressing a public gathering in Raipur.

He appealed to those engaged in armed conflict to abandon violence and return to mainstream society, noting that the Chhattisgarh government’s surrender policy provides an opportunity to contribute to the state’s development.

‘Vishnu Deo Sai has curated a very impressive surrender policy; come and surrender and contribute to the development of Chhattisgarh. It did not require any talk. Have faith in the government. Surrender your arms and join the mainstream,’ he said.

The Home Minister commended the Chhattisgarh government for accelerating anti-Naxal operations and supporting the police and security forces. He highlighted the efforts made under Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma.

‘The biggest achievement of Vishnu Deo Sai’s government and the state’s Home Minister Vijay Sharma is that they restarted the stalled anti-Naxal operation at a fast pace. Since the formation of the government, both leaders have not only accelerated the operation but have also guided it efficiently,’ Shah said.

He extended the Government of India’s appreciation to the Chhattisgarh leadership, and remembered former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee during his centenary year, crediting him for the creation of the state.

‘This is the centenary year of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. I have been coming to Chhattisgarh for the last 11 years. All credit for the creation of Chhattisgarh goes to our leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The credit for the state’s transformation goes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Chhattisgarh government is celebrating 25 years of the state’s formation as Atal Nirman Year,’ he said.

Shah laid the foundation stones for the National Forensic Science University (NFSU) and the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) in Nava Raipur, calling it a major advancement in strengthening the criminal justice system of Chhattisgarh and central India.

‘Today marks an important day for Chhattisgarh’s criminal justice system. We have started three major initiatives: laying the foundation of NFSU, CFSL, and inaugurating the NFSU transit campus,’ Shah said.

He informed that the NFSU campus will be constructed at a cost of INR 145 crore, and the CFSL at INR 123 crore—bringing the total to INR 268 crore. The land for these institutes has been provided by the state government.

He assured the youth that employment is guaranteed after graduating from NFSU. ‘Trust the Modi government. NFSU ka graduation matlab aapki naukri ki guarantee hai,’ he said, noting that these institutes will reduce dependency on big cities for forensic examinations.

He also lauded the Chhattisgarh government for implementing new criminal laws—Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA).

‘The Chhattisgarh government is working very well on implementing these three critical laws. This will ensure that justice is delivered within three years of filing an FIR,’ he said.

Shah also highlighted the state’s industrial growth and youth initiatives. He announced that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) worth INR 5,000 crore was signed at an investment summit organised by CM Sai, and that an i-Hub innovation centre had been inaugurated to support startups.

‘Until the youth here become MSME industrialists and develop a culture of entrepreneurship, Chhattisgarh cannot develop. i-Hub will provide technical and financial support to young entrepreneurs,’ Shah said.

Later in the day, he chaired a Suraksha Sameeksha (security review) meeting in Nava Raipur.

(ANI)