Chhattisgarh's Bastar Region: Development and Naxal Threat

Jagdalpur, February 9 Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Monday that Maoism has never benefited any society and has spread destruction wherever it has existed, citing examples of countries like Colombia, Peru, and Cambodia. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 'Bastar Pandum 2026' cultural event in Jagdalpur, the headquarters of Chhattisgarh's Bastar district, Shah reiterated that the Naxal menace will be completely eradicated from the country by March 31. He urged Naxals to surrender and join the mainstream, promising them dignified rehabilitation. "The Maoist rehabilitation policy of the Chhattisgarh government is the most attractive," he asserted. He also expressed concern over the fact that some remaining Naxals, including young tribal girls, were still holding out. "These (young tribal girls) must be sent for rehabilitation, as their entire lives lie ahead of them," Shah said. While assuring that surrendered Naxals would not face any harm, Shah also warned that those who continue to fire weapons, plant IEDs, and torch schools and hospitals would not be spared. "Armed violence will be met with a firm response. If someone holds weapons, the response will also be with weapons," he emphasised. "We do not want to fight with anyone. Our fight is to protect our tribal brothers and sisters. When IEDs are planted, innocent children can be killed or permanently disabled. Where does this cruelty come from," Shah said while urging the remaining armed cadres to surrender. He said that Maoists had shut down schools for decades, depriving generations of education and creating widespread illiteracy. "But Bastar is now on the path of rapid development, with schools reopening, roads being built, mobile towers being installed, post offices being opened, and electricity and drinking water being extended to villages. It is our resolve that Bastar will become the most developed tribal-dominated region in the country within the next five years," Shah said. The government has prepared a comprehensive roadmap to accelerate development in the Bastar region, which comprises seven districts, with the aim of providing electricity to all villages by December 2027, ensuring mobile connectivity in every village, and opening a post office or bank branch within every five kilometres, Shah added. "Paddy will be procured from tribals at Rs 3,100 per quintal, cooking gas cylinders will be provided to households, and tap water connections will be ensured in every home. With Naxalism declining, new tourism initiatives such as adventure tourism, homestays, canopy walks, and glass bridges are being developed to boost Bastar's economy," the Union Minister said. He added that a new industrial area spread over 118 acres is being set up in Bastar to generate employment for tribal youth. Highlighting irrigation plans, Shah said that new projects on the Indravati river will be launched to irrigate 2.75 lakh hectares in Dantewada, Bijapur, and Sukma districts, along with generating 120 MW of electricity. "The government is committed to preserving Bastar's culture for decades. Prime Minister Narendra Modi aims to take Bastar's culture to the entire country and the world. Guns and explosives cannot be Bastar's identity. Its true identity is its culture and heritage," Shah said. The Union Home Minister thanked the personnel of the Chhattisgarh Police, CRPF, ITBP, and BSF for their decisive fight against Naxalism and expressed gratitude to the families of the security personnel who were martyred. Hailing the organization of the 'Bastar Pandum 2026', Shah said that the top three winners in each of the 12 disciplines of the event will be invited to the Rashtrapati Bhavan to showcase their art and share a meal.