Every Trace of Naxalism Must Go: Amit Shah Vows to Restore Bastar
Home Minister Amit Shah asserts that eliminating Naxalism is not enough; the wounds of five decades of violence in Bastar must be healed.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has declared that the mission to eliminate Naxalism in Bastar extends beyond just ending the violence; it requires erasing every lingering trace of the insurgency to transform the region into a vibrant and thriving hub once again. Speaking via video conference, the Home Minister emphasized that while the political and militant threat is being dismantled, the emotional and physical scars left behind must be healed.
Healing the Wounds of Five Decades
Addressing a gathering during an assistive devices distribution ceremony for Divyangjans (persons with disabilities), Amit Shah highlighted the immense suffering endured by poor tribal communities over the last fifty years. He specifically condemned the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), stating that targeting innocent civilians to achieve political goals represents the gravest violation of human rights.
The Home Minister noted that the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi had set a firm commitment to wipe out Naxalism across the country by March 31, 2026. While asserting that Naxalism has now been eliminated, Shah stressed that the end of the conflict is only the first step.
"We must heal the wounds inflicted by this suffering, help victims stand on their feet again, and ensure they can live with dignity and respect," Shah remarked.
Seva Sankalp Abhiyan: A Lifeline for Victims
The Minister's remarks came during the 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan', an initiative marking 25 years of Prime Minister Modi’s dedication to public service, both as a Chief Minister and as the Prime Minister of India. As part of this campaign, the second phase of the Divyang Seva Camp was launched to provide critical support to those disabled by Naxal violence.
The impact of the program is already evident in the numbers. Between October 5 and 7, 2026, a program in Jagdalpur benefited over 3,600 persons with disabilities. The scale of the tragedy in the region was highlighted by the fact that more than 1,570 of these beneficiaries were from Bastar alone.
Collaborative Efforts for Rehabilitation
The rehabilitation drive is a joint effort involving several key players, including:
- The Chhattisgarh Government and district administration.
- The State Social Welfare Department.
- Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti, Jaipur.
- Bharatiya Jain Sanghatana.
To usher in a new era of hope, the government is providing essential assistive devices such as artificial limbs, wheelchairs, tricycles, crutches, hearing aids, and smart walking sticks.
From Gunfire to Games: The Transformation of Bastar
Amit Shah pointed out that the atmosphere in Bastar is undergoing a radical shift. A region that was once defined by the sounds of bomb blasts and gunfire is now seeing a resurgence of joy and tradition. He credited the traditional tribal leadership of the region for making significant contributions toward this peace.
The Home Minister lauded several Chhattisgarh government initiatives aimed at social transformation, including:
- Bastar Olympics: Engaging youth through sports.
- Bastar Pandum and Niyad Nellanar: Reviving cultural heritage.
- Chief Minister’s Samuhik Bus Yojana: Improving connectivity and mobility.
Shah concluded by noting that instead of fear, the region is now witnessing thousands of young people participating in sports and keeping their rich tribal traditions alive, signaling a definitive turn toward a peaceful and prosperous future.