Union Home Minister retrietated his commitment over making Bastar Naxal free by coming Chaitra Navratra in a public speech on Sunday.
Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, while speaking at the closing ceremony of Bastar Pandum in Bastar, made a heartfelt appeal to Naxalites and members of their associated organizations to lay down their arms and become part of the mainstream. He emphasized that they could actively contribute to the ongoing development efforts in Bastar, which hold the promise of a better and peaceful future for all.
He also reached out to the local villagers, encouraging them to support this movement toward peace. He announced that any village declared ‘Naxal-free’ would be awarded ₹1 crore for development projects. Shah firmly stated that violence and bloodshed bring no joy and only hinder progress. The path of surrender, he noted, opens doors to support from both the Central and State governments, offering a chance to reintegrate and move forward.
Reinforcing the idea that true development can only happen in an atmosphere of peace, he outlined essential priorities such as education, maternal healthcare, youth nutrition, and improved medical services from the tehsil to the district level. He added that schemes like free distribution of 7 kg rice per person, Aadhaar and ration card linkages, and health insurance for all are key components of the welfare model being implemented.
To ensure fair trade practices and uplift local livelihoods, Shah announced that tendu leaves would now be purchased directly by the government at ₹5,500 per sack, removing middlemen from the process. Payments will be made directly to the collectors’ bank accounts. He described this step as part of the larger effort to end the ‘red terror’ and empower tribal communities.
Highlighting the essence of India’s unity in diversity, Shah celebrated the linguistic, cultural, and culinary richness of the country. He declared that the Bastar Olympics, which showcase the region’s traditional sports and spirit, would now be held annually. He further announced that next year’s Bastar Pandum would have participants from tribal communities across India, and the government would invite President Droupadi Murmu to inaugurate the event.
Calling on Bastar’s residents to protect and promote their folk dances, songs, cuisine, and other customs, he described their culture as a national treasure. The government, he said, is working to secure Geographical Indication (GI) tags for traditional tribal art and crafts to give them broader recognition and market value.
Reiterating that violence is not the solution, Shah shared that 520 Naxalites had surrendered in the first three months of 2025 alone, following 881 surrenders in 2024. He emphasized that the region’s future lies in development, with roads, schools, and national highways already under construction. He urged villagers to play an active role in persuading militants to surrender and return to civil life.
Speaking directly to the people of Sukma, Shah reminded them that their dreams could only be realized through hard work and commitment. He assured them that there was no longer any need for fear, as the government had ensured complete security. With the combined efforts of the “double-engine government” at the Centre and the state, he affirmed that a peaceful, Naxal-free Bastar is not just a dream but an emerging reality.
