End of Maoism will not erase five decades of suffering it caused: Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah. File | Photo credit: PTI

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday (Oct 15, 2026) said efforts are being made to improve primary infrastructure and facilities in Chhattisgarh, where Congress rule for decades did not provide even basic amenities.

Outlining the BJP government’s efforts to restore Bastar and rehabilitate victims of left-wing extremism, Mr. Shah said eliminating Maoism was not enough; the government also has to deal with the suffering it has caused over five decades, especially among the poor tribal communities in the region.

Addressing a virtual ceremony to help the Chhattisgarh Maoists, Mr. Shah said the disability outreach program held in Jagdalpur from October 5 to 7 had helped more than 3,600 people with disabilities, including around 1,570 in Bastar alone.

The current initiative provides assistive devices, including artificial limbs, wheelchairs, tricycles, hearing aids and walking sticks, to people affected by Maoism.

“The end of Naxalism does not mean that we can erase the suffering of these five decades,” Mr. Shah said, adding that the government must help the victims rebuild their lives and dignity.

He assured the state government of supporting the effort.

Citing measures taken to rehabilitate ex-extremists and extend basic services in the affected areas, the home minister said around 8,526 Maoists had surrendered. They were given to about 7,500 people without a bank account and 1,625 people received a reward.

Incentive payments were made to 7,882 people; 455 were given jobs and 129 were allotted land, he said.

He said the security camps would be converted into service centers and community facilities, allowing government officials to focus on healthcare, education, employment and other development needs.

“The very places where our security personnel once sat to protect you will now become the places where the leaders of the Government of India and the Government of Chhattisgarh will lay the foundation of a developed Bastar,” the Union minister said.

The centers would help address health and educational needs of children, youth employment and economic needs of tribal communities, he said.

Mr. Shah also highlighted the state government’s initiatives like Bastar Olympics, Bastar Pandum and Niyad Nellanar scheme, saying they aim to revive tribal culture, improve infrastructure and restore normal life in violence-hit areas.

He said the Bastar Olympics had drawn people to sports in places where gunfire and bomb blasts had once created an atmosphere of fear.

Through Bastar Pandum, the government is trying to revive tribal art and culture, while the Niyad Nellanar scheme will improve basic facilities in remote areas, he said.

Mr. Shah said the government was determined to eliminate the remaining vestiges of Maoism and restore Bastar as a peaceful and prosperous region.

“Merely eliminating Naxalism will not be enough. We have to eliminate every trace of it and rebuild Bastar as a happy and vibrant place,” he said.

Published – 15 Oct 2026 14:51 IST