Union Home Minister Amit Shah said today that Naxalism does not benefit anyone and that only peace can pave the way for development. Addressing the closing ceremony of the Bastar Olympics in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh, he reiterated the government’s resolve to end Naxalism by March 31, 2026. He said the Centre has decided to transform Chhattisgarh’s Bastar division into the most developed tribal region in the country over the next five years. Mr Shah said Naxalism had stalled development in the region, but a new chapter of progress would begin once the menace is eliminated. He appealed to those still associated with the outlawed Maoists to lay down their arms and join the mainstream of society.
Highlighting the changing face of Bastar, Mr Shah said fear has been replaced by hope, school bells now ring where gunfire once echoed, and roads, railways and highways are being built where development was once a distant dream. He said that by the time the next Bastar Olympics are held, not only Bastar but the entire country will be free from Naxalism.
On the occasion, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Assembly Speaker Dr Raman Singh, Deputy Chief Ministers Arun Sao and Vijay Sharma, and former international footballer Baichung Bhutia were present. Around 3,500 players from all seven districts, including surrendered Naxalites and those affected by Naxal violence, participated in the Olympics.
