India now Maoist‑free, declares Amit Shah at Bastar
What's the story
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has declared that India is now free from Maoism. He made the announcement during his visit to Bastar, Chhattisgarh, which was once a stronghold of the Maoist movement. "I am declaring with pride, India is now Naxal-free," he said at an event in Jagdalpur. The minister credited security forces for this achievement and promised expedited development in Bastar over the next few years.
Development plans
Shah lays out roadmap to develop Bastar
Shah also laid out a roadmap to develop Bastar, which he called the most developed tribal region of India. He said 70 Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) camps will be converted into one-stop centers for development activities and provide around 370 government benefits and schemes. The minister stressed that without a developed Bastar, India's dream of being developed by 2047 is incomplete.
Rehabilitation efforts
Rehabilitation of surrendered Naxals
Shah also spoke about the rehabilitation of around 3,000 surrendered Naxals. He said ₹20 crore has been spent on skilling and educating them to bring them back into the mainstream. The minister stressed that this effort is part of making up for damage done over decades due to Naxalism. He said that "it is the responsibility of the state and central government to make up for the damage done in the last 50 years."
Security commendation
Shah praises security forces for achievement
Shah ended his speech by praising the District Reserve Guards and the CRPF's elite CoBRA commandos for their bravery in achieving this milestone. He said they played a major role in making India Naxal-free. The minister also emphasized that the Home Department would take care of development activities like roads, rural development, bank branches, post office services, gas cylinder distribution, tap water supply, free ration distribution, and electricity provision in Bastar.