No talks with Naxals, says Amit Shah on Bastar deadline
What's the story
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has ruled out negotiations with Naxals, instead pushing for their surrender under a government rehabilitation policy. He announced March 31, 2026, as the deadline to eliminate Naxalism from Bastar. Speaking at the 'Bastar Dussehra Lokotsav' in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh, he said both state and central governments are committed to development in Naxal-affected areas.
Temple visit
Shah warns Naxals of security forces' retaliation
During his address, Shah also spoke about his visit to the Maa Danteshwari Temple. He prayed for the security forces' strength to rid Bastar of "red terror" by March 31 next year. The Home Minister warned Naxals that security forces would give a fitting reply to those disrupting peace with weapons.
Development issues
Basic amenities have reached every village except Bastar: Shah
Shah blamed Naxalism for depriving Bastar of development. "Some people in Delhi used to spread misinformation for years that the birth of Naxalism was for the fight for development. But I have come to tell my tribal brothers that entire Bastar has been deprived of development. The root cause of this is Naxalism," he said. The Narendra Modi government has given over ₹4 lakh crore to Chhattisgarh for development in 10 years, he added.
Mainstream appeal
BJP government's schemes for tribals
Shah urged locals to convince those misled by Naxalism to shun violence and join the mainstream. He also highlighted various schemes launched by the Bharatiya Janata Party government in honor of tribals in Chhattisgarh. The Home Minister described the 75-day-long Dussehra festival as one of the world's longest and culturally significant festivals, honoring the region's tribal heritage.