Union Home Minister Commends Chhattisgarh’s Successful Anti-Naxal Operation
Meeting of Chief Ministers of Naxal-Affected States Held
“Youth Surrendering Arms and Joining the Mainstream” – Union Home Minister Amit Shah
A crucial meeting focused on the ongoing operations against Naxalism in Naxal-affected states was convened today at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. The meeting was presided over by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, with Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Chief Ministers of other Naxal-affected states in attendance.
The primary focus of the meeting was the recently concluded successful anti-Naxal operation in Chhattisgarh, during which 31 Naxals were neutralized by the state police. The efficient strategies of the Chhattisgarh Police and the effectiveness of the state government’s policies were specifically discussed during the meeting. Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare J.P. Nadda, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, and Chhattisgarh’s Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma were also present on this occasion.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah lauded the efforts of Chhattisgarh’s Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and his team in the operation. He stated that from January to date, security forces in Chhattisgarh have eliminated nearly 194 Naxals in encounters. Furthermore, 801 Naxals have been apprehended, and 742 Naxals have surrendered. He appealed to the youth still engaged in Naxalism to shun violence and join the mainstream. “All states have devised effective rehabilitation schemes for you; take advantage of these initiatives,” he added.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai provided a detailed briefing on the Naxal operation during the meeting. He explained how the state police and intelligence agencies executed the operation after months of planning and diligent efforts. Around 1,000 personnel were involved in the mission, which encircled the Gawadi hill, spanning a 15-kilometer radius, resulting in the elimination of 31 Naxals. Several high-ranking Naxal leaders were neutralized in this operation, 16 of whom carried a collective bounty of Rs 1.30 crore. Of the neutralized Naxals, 18 were male, and 13 were female.
In his presentation, the Chief Minister highlighted how the state’s police force executed the operation based on precise intelligence inputs. Chief Minister not only focused on the operation’s success but also elaborated on the development initiatives underway in the state. He stated, “The pace of development works in Naxal-affected regions has been accelerated. We are consistently extending basic amenities to villages, with special emphasis on education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment.” CM Sai emphasized that the persistent guidance from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah has enabled the state to break the backbone of Maoists. “We have established 32 new security camps in areas they once referred to as their ‘capital’. A camp has been set up in the village of Hidma, the Battalion Commander of their forces, and healthcare facilities have been provided to his mother as well.”
Future Plans and Strategic Goals Outlined
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also discussed Chhattisgarh’s future strategies. He stated that the primary goal of the state government is to eliminate the remaining Naxal strongholds and establish lasting peace and development in these areas. In the near future, 29 new security camps will be established in South Bastar to eradicate the influence of Naxals.
Union Home Minister assures of extending total support
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while commending the successful operation in Chhattisgarh, urged the Chief Ministers of other states to adopt Chhattisgarh’s model of intelligence, technology, and inter-agency coordination in their respective operations. The Home Minister further affirmed that the Central Government is committed to providing every possible assistance to Chhattisgarh and other Naxal-affected states and will extend full support to expedite developmental works in these regions.