- विज्ञापन -
Raipur: The Deputy Chief Minister Chhattisgarh Araun Sao on Sunday said that eradicating Naxalism is necessary for the state’s overall progress, underscored the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the lives of people in Naxal-affected regions.
Sao, while speaking with the reporters, stated that in the last 14 months,380 naxals have been encountered, 1200 naxals have been arrested, and 1100 naxals have surrendered.
He asserted that Naxalism was nearly eradicated during former Chief Minister Raman Singh’s tenure, but alleged that its resurgence began after the Congress government came to power.
“Our governments have struggled for years against naxalism. Surguja, including Bastar, was affected by naxalism when our government was first formed in 2003. Due to our government’s determination, we wiped out naxalism from Surguja. Under Dr Raman Singh’s government, until 2018, naxalism remained in very few parts. Then, the Congress government came and allowed naxals to spread again,” he said.
“When our government was formed in 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah vowed to make Chhattisgarh and Bastar Naxal-free,” the Deputy CM stated.
Further highlighting the challenges in Bastar due to the Naxalism, he said, “Bastar has challenging terrain that is difficult to reach. Our security personnel are pursuing Naxals in those areas. No changes have occurred in the lives of people in Bastar and Suguja due to naxalism. The end of naxalism is necessary for the development of the region. Our government is working towards finishing naxalism in a planned manner.”
He further reiterated Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s assurance that Naxalism will be completely eliminated from the state by March 2026.
“Naxalism is still present in some areas of Bijapur, Sukma and Kanker. The way our soldiers are working, by the end of March 2026, armed Naxalism will be eradicated completely. We are not only working to finish Naxalism but also working towards bringing change in the lives of the people of the Bastar region,” he said.
Sao asserted that the BJP government is committed to uplifting the younger generation of the Bastar region and highlighted recent events for the youth in the region.
“Younger generation of the Bastar region are talented. We organise the Bastar Olympics to offer a stage for their talent. We are continuously working towards bringing change in the lives of Bastar,” Sao said.
