No respite for Maoists this monsoon in Bastar, says Amit Shah, operations to continue without break

RAIPUR: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday sent a stern message to Maoist insurgents in Chhattisgarh, stating that anti-Naxal operations will not pause during the monsoon season, a period traditionally seen as a tactical break due to inaccessible terrain.

“Every time during the rainy season, Naxalites used to get rest, but this time, we will not let them sleep,” Shah said while addressing a gathering in Nava Raipur during his two-day visit to Chhattisgarh. “We will move further to achieve the target of 31/3 (March 31, 2026), the deadline set to eliminate Naxalism.”

Ruling out any negotiations or dialogue with Maoists, Home minister Amit Shah instead made a direct appeal to them, “Lay down arms and join the mainstream life and hop on the journey of development. Avail the benefits of the surrender policy. There is no need for talks. Just give up armed struggle and become a part of the mainstream.”

"I wholeheartedly welcome all those who have laid down their arms and joined the mainstream. I assure them that every promise the Chhattisgarh govt and the Centre have made to them will be fulfilled, and we will try to help you beyond that," he added.

Union Home Minister was speaking at the foundation stone laying event for two landmark projects in Chhattisgarh: a National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) campus and a Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) in Nava Raipur Atal Nagar. The twin projects, spread over 40 acres, aim to make Chhattisgarh a hub for scientific investigation and evidence-based justice.

Later in the day, Shah is scheduled to chair a meeting of Director Generals of Police (DGPs) and Additional DGPs of Chhattisgarh and six neighbouring states on anti-Naxal operations, after which he will take part in a meeting on the security situation and ongoing operations against Left Wing Extremism.

On Monday, Shah will visit a Border Security Force (BSF) camp in Narayanpur district, where he will interact with security personnel and Naxalism-affected villagers.