Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while replying to a discussion on a Naxal-free India in the Lok Sabha, articulated the government's firm stance against Left-Wing Extremism (LWE). He informed the House that while 12 states in the country were once severely affected by Naxalism, the problem is now rapidly shrinking due to the current administration's strategic policies. Shah issued a direct message to insurgents, stating that those who take up arms will be met with a proportional response from security forces. He emphasized that there would be no dialogue with those challenging the Constitution, although the path to rehabilitation remains open for those who choose to surrender.
Final Ultimatum to Insurgents and Surrender Policy
Home Minister Amit Shah declared in the House that the days of Naxal violence are over. He stated that he has made multiple public appeals for Naxals to lay down their arms, while ' He clarified that no talks would be held with individuals wielding guns. However, he added that for those who choose to surrender their weapons, the government will provide all necessary assistance to facilitate their reintegration into mainstream society through various rehabilitation schemes.
Critique of Previous Administrations and Expansion of Naxalism
During the discussion, Amit Shah launched a sharp critique of the Congress party, alleging that the spread of Maoist ideology occurred primarily during their tenure. According to Shah, the movement that began in Naxalbari, West Bengal, in the 1970s, expanded across a large part of the country between 1970 and 2004. He accused previous governments of neglecting the development of tribal communities. Shah questioned why the Congress, which ruled for nearly 60 of the last 75 years, failed to provide basic amenities like housing, water, and electricity to tribal populations, arguing that this failure allowed Naxalism to flourish.
Development and Infrastructure Strengthening in Bastar
Referring specifically to the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, the Home Minister noted that the area remained under the shadow of 'Red Terror' for a long time, which hindered development. He stated that schools are now being constructed in almost every village in Bastar, and basic infrastructure is being established. According to Shah, the establishment of new security camps has diminished Naxal influence, allowing roads, electricity, and healthcare services to reach areas that were previously inaccessible. He claimed that Naxalism is now on the verge of elimination in Bastar, with the local population actively participating in the development process.
Impact of Maoist Ideology and Violence
Amit Shah criticized the Maoist ideology, stating that the belief that power flows from the barrel of a gun is a direct threat to democracy. He remarked that Naxals misled tribal youth into picking up weapons and shed the blood of their own people, while shah argued that poverty in the 'Red Corridor' is a consequence of Naxalism, rather than poverty being the cause of its spread. He cited examples of Naxals targeting and burning schools to prevent tribal children from receiving an education. The Home Minister asserted that under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, public support has been instrumental in neutralizing Left-Wing Extremism.
Tribal Welfare and Future Strategy
Highlighting the government's future roadmap, Shah stated that genuine development for tribal communities is now taking place, while he detailed the government's commitment to providing permanent housing, clean drinking water, banking facilities, and quality education to tribal populations. He urged the opposition to introspect on the historical condition of tribals instead of showing sympathy toward Naxals. Shah reiterated that Naxalism has no connection with development and is solely a path of destruction. He expressed confidence that the coordination between the bravery of security forces and development-oriented policies would soon make India entirely Naxal-free.