Raipur: Maoists would have to give up their weapons by agreeing to the government’s “lucrative surrender and rehabilitation policy,” Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Saturday, ruling out negotiations with them. Speaking during the “Bastar Dussehra Lokotsav” and “Swadeshi Mela” in Jagdalpur, the capital of the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh, Shah claimed that the deadline for making India Naxal-free was March 31, 2026.
“All of my tribal brothers and sisters should convince the young people in their villages to put down their weapons,” I want to say. He advised them to abstain from violence, integrate into society, and contribute to Bastar’s growth.
There have been calls for negotiations (with the Naxals). I want to reiterate that the central government and the Chhattisgarh administration are dedicated to development in Bastar and all areas afflicted by the Naxals. What is there to discuss? There is a profitable surrender-and-rehabilitation program in existence. Put down your weapons and come forward,” Shah replied.
