Due to courage, sacrifice of security forces, Naxalism eradicated before March 31 deadline: HM Amit Shah
Jagdalpur, May 19
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said that India became Naxal-free even before the March 31 deadline, owing to the "courage and sacrifice" of the security forces.
Addressing a press conference in Jagdalpur, Amit Shah said that the people of Bastar are living without fear now. He hailed the Veer Gundadhur Sewa Dera initiative to provide development in Bastar, one of the biggest Naxal-affected regions.
Shah also hit out at the previous Bhupesh Baghel government in Chhattisgarh, alleging that the Congress did not support the Centre in the Naxal-free India initiative.
The Union Minister said, "An atmosphere of enthusiasm, confidence, and assurance regarding the future is visible everywhere among the people of Bastar. The climate of fear and the stifling reality of living under the shadow of guns have now come to an end, and Bastar is finally breathing freely. It is a matter of joy for all of us that Bastar has become Naxal-free."
"On August 24, 2024, when in a meeting, it was announced that the nation would be freed from the terror of Naxalim by March 31, 2026. Thanks to the valour, courage, and sacrifice of the security forces, Naxalism was eradicated ahead of the March 31 deadline," he added.
Targeting the Congress, Shah said, "Some dates are significant here. On December 13, 2023, the BJP formed the government in Chhattisgarh under the leadership of Vishnu Deo Sai. Earlier, there was a Congress government here. Several non-BJP governments support us in the Naxal-free campaign, but the Congress government in Chhattisgarh did not support us."
He noted May 19, today, to be a significant day for development in Bastar. He said that 70 security forces' camps will be converted into Veer Gundadhur Seva Dera, taking the government initiatives and facilities to the doorstep of people.
He said, "On May 19, 2026, it is also significant. Some intellectual people were claiming that Naxalism spread because some areas remained deprived of development, but the reality is that, due to Naxalism, these areas remain untouched by development. On May 19, the vision of holistic development is being launched."
"Just yesterday, I inaugurated the Shaheed Veer Gundadhur Seva Dera. It is a concept in order to free the entire district, including the larger Bastar region, from Naxalism, the Home Ministry of the Government of India had set up approximately 200 security camps here. CRPF, DRG, and Chhattisgarh Police personnel used to stay in these camps and ensure the security of the area. But now Bastar is Naxal-free, we have decided that in the first phase, 70 out of these 200 camps, or approximately one-third of them, will be converted into Veer Shaheed Gundadhur Seva Dera," the minister stated.
On Monday, Amit Shah inaugurated the Shaheed Veer Gundadhur Seva Dera Jan Suvidha Kendra in Bastar, Chhattisgarh. Benefits of 371 schemes of the State Government and Central Government will be available at one place through this service centre.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Great news that Bastar is finally free from fear! The Veer Gundadhur Seva Dera concept sounds promising - converting security camps into development hubs. But I hope the government focuses on providing genuine employment and education opportunities now, not just infrastructure. Real development means empowering the youth.
Amit Shah's leadership on this front has been exceptional. The timeline is truly remarkable - achieving this milestone before the March 31 deadline shows the dedication of our forces. However, let's not forget that the Congress government in Chhattisgarh hindered progress. Development must now reach every village that suffered for decades.
Finally! My family is from Bastar and the fear of Naxalites is gone now. But I'm skeptical about the "development" claims. The region still lacks basic amenities like clean water and hospitals. Converting camps to service centres is good, but will it address the root causes of inequality? Let's see what happens next.
A historical achievement indeed! The security forces have done a phenomenal job. But I agree with some concerns - converting camps to "Seva Dera" is symbolic, but real change requires sustained investment in education, healthcare, and skill development. Hope the government doesn't rest on its laurels now.
What a proud moment for our nation! 🙏 The bravery of our jawans is unmatched. But I can't help but think about the families who lost their loved ones to Naxalism over the years. This victory is for them. Now let's ensure the peace lasts and the region truly prospers. Proud of our forces!