Give Up Arms Join Mainstream-Amit Shah's Historic Appeal to Naxalites

Union Home Minister Amit Shah made a heartfelt appeal to Naxalites in Chhattisgarh, urging them to lay down their arms and join the mainstream. This appeal marks a significant shift in the government's approach to tackling the Naxal menace.

A New Era of Peace and Development

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Chhattisgarh Government's 'Bastar Pandum' festival, Shah emphasized that the days of violence and fear in Bastar are over. He encouraged Naxalites to surrender their weapons and join the development process, promising full protection from the Union and state governments ¹.

Key Conditions for Development

Shah highlighted that development can only happen when:

- _Children attend school_

- _Tehsils have health facilities_

- _Every person has access to essential services_ like Aadhaar cards, ration cards, and health insurance

Incentives for Surrender

To encourage Naxalites to lay down their arms, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao have announced that villages that help Naxalites surrender and declare themselves Maoist-free will receive development funds of Rs 1 crore.

Progress in the Fight Against Naxalism

Shah cited the surrender of 521 Naxalites in 2025 and 881 in 2024 as a significant progress in the fight against Naxalism. The minister emphasized that those who surrender will be welcomed into the mainstream, while those who refuse will face action from security forces.

A Brighter Future for Bastar

Shah concluded his appeal by envisioning a brighter future for Bastar, where the region is synonymous with 'bhavishya' (future) rather than 'bhay' (fear). With the combined efforts of the Union and state governments, Bastar is poised for significant development and growth.