Amit Shah reaffirms 2026 deadline to end maoism, appeals to women cadre from Chhattisgarh stage

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday renewed the government’s resolve to eliminate Maoism by March 2026. Speaking from Jagdalpur in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar district, he sent a strong message to insurgents. At the same time, he made a special appeal to women cadres to return to mainstream life.

Shah addressed a large gathering during the closing ceremony of the “Bastar Pandum” cultural festival. At the start of his speech, he hinted at Maoist presence in Telangana. He urged the crowd to carry his message across borders. He said his words should reach Naxals hiding in neighboring regions.

First, Shah clarified the government’s stand. He said authorities do not want conflict. Instead, they want peace and security for tribal villages. He stressed that violence harms innocent people. He referred to landmines planted on roads and farms. He said farmers and young girls often become victims.

Therefore, he urged Maoists to rethink their path. He asked them to drop weapons. He promised respect and rehabilitation. He assured them of dignity in society.

Next, Shah focused on women recruits. He said he felt deeply concerned about their future. He noted that many young tribal girls had joined extremist groups. He said they still had their entire lives ahead.

He praised the Chhattisgarh government’s rehabilitation package. He called it attractive and practical. Then, he appealed to Maoist leaders. He asked them to send women cadres back for rehabilitation. He said the government would take full responsibility for their welfare.

However, Shah also issued a firm warning. He said security forces would respond strongly to armed groups. He stated that those who carried weapons would face weapons. He made it clear that violence would not receive sympathy.

Meanwhile, he highlighted the safety of surrendered Maoists. He said more than 2,500 former rebels now live peacefully. He promised to protect them. He added that the government would not tolerate any harm to them.

At the same time, he condemned attacks on public infrastructure. He mentioned schools, hospitals, and mobile towers. He said such acts stalled development. He warned that those who destroyed public assets would not escape action.

Then, Shah placed Maoism in a global context. He said the ideology had failed worldwide. He cited countries like Colombia, Peru, and Cambodia. He said Maoism brought destruction everywhere. He said it never delivered welfare.

After that, he spoke about education in Bastar. He said Maoists had closed schools for decades. As a result, generations missed education. He said illiteracy spread in the region. However, he added that the situation had started to change.

Recently, the government reopened many schools after 40 years. Shah said Bastar was emerging as a new brand in India. He asked tribal communities to reflect on past losses. He said education now held the key to progress.

Looking ahead, Shah outlined a five-year development plan. He promised to make Bastar the most developed tribal region. He said authorities would reopen hospitals and health centers. They would also build new schools and colleges.

Furthermore, he announced infrastructure targets. The government aims to provide electricity to all villages by December 2027. It plans to ensure mobile connectivity everywhere. It also wants banks and post offices within five kilometers of each village.

Shah also stressed cultural preservation. He said Bastar’s identity lay in its heritage, not in guns. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi wanted to promote Bastar’s culture globally.

In addition, Shah announced welfare measures. The government will buy paddy at Rs 3,100 per quintal. It will provide gas cylinders and tap water to households. It will also promote tourism projects to boost income.

He revealed plans for a new industrial area spread over 118 acres. He said this project would create jobs for tribal youth.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, ministers, MPs, and MLAs attended the event. The festival showcased tribal art, music, food, crafts, and traditional medicine.

Overall, Shah combined warning with reassurance. He pushed for peace through surrender. He linked security with development. He placed special focus on women and youth. With the 2026 deadline in sight, the government now aims to accelerate both security operations and regional growth.