Raipur
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has dismissed a recent purported ceasefire letter issued by Naxals as misleading. Shah clarified that while those who wish to surrender are welcome, the government will not accept any ceasefire.
Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma echoed this stance, stressing that there is no plan for a ceasefire. He said if the sentiment in the Naxal letter—that bloodshed in Bastar must end—is genuine, then they should decide quickly.
“We are prepared to roll out the red carpet for your welcome,”
— Vijay Sharma
Sharma underlined that surrender remains the only option.
Urban Network Exposed
Commenting on recent arrests and operations in Raipur, Home Minister Sharma said the State Investigation Agency (SIA) has been tracking Naxal attempts to establish new bases for the past two years.
- The urban network of Naxals has been exposed in Raipur, Korba, and other cities.
- The SIA is conducting complete profiling to dismantle this network.
Sharma appealed to the public to report any suspicious activity or information about tenants to the police. For this, the police have launched a special app to make information sharing easier.
Naxal Funding Reduced
According to Home Minister Sharma, Naxal funding has dropped by nearly 80%. However, a residual amount is still being used to keep their operations alive.
Amit Shah to Visit Chhattisgarh on 4 October
Home Minister Vijay Sharma confirmed that Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit Chhattisgarh on 4 October.
- Shah will attend Bastar Dussehra, Muria Darbar, and Swadeshi Mela.
- The tour is considered crucial for reviewing security and administrative preparations in Naxal-affected areas.
Congress Criticism
Meanwhile, the Congress party has termed Amit Shah’s remarks on Naxalism as misleading.
Pradesh Congress Communication Chief Sushil Anand Shukla said:
- It was unbecoming of the Home Minister to make such false statements.
- Shah himself had praised the Bhupesh Baghel government in 2021, noting an 80% drop in Naxal violence.
Shukla highlighted that under the Congress government’s “Trust, Development and Security” policy:
- Schools, hospitals, roads, and camps were built in remote areas.
- Over 600 villages were freed from Naxal influence.
He further alleged that under the current BJP government, Naxals have established bases even in Raipur.
- Under Raman Singh, Naxalism spread from 3 Bastar blocks to 14 districts.
- In just two years of the Sai government, it has reached urban areas.
