Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], June 23 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said that Naxalism has been a major catastrophe for poor tribal regions, leading to the deaths of nearly 40,000 people over the last 35 years, and leaving many more disabled.

While addressing security personnel in Nawa Raipur, Amit Shah said, "Naxalism has been a major catastrophe for poor tribal regions, leading to the deaths of nearly 40,000 people over the last 35 years, while many more have been left disabled."
He added, "Naxal violence deprived the poor tribal population of basic necessities such as food, electricity, education, housing, toilets, and clean drinking water -- let alone any possibility of industrial development. Entire regions were forced to live in conditions akin to slavery for decades, and the root cause of this suffering was Naxalism."
Amit Shah also paid tribute to the courage, valour, sacrifice, and dedication of the Central Armed Police Forces, the CoBRA teams, the Chhattisgarh Police, and the District Reserve Guard (DRG).
He said, "I have full faith that it is the bravery and tireless efforts of our security forces that make the battle against Naxalism a success."
The Union Home Minister praised the security personnel and said, "The way security forces have dismantled Maoist hideouts with immense courage, patience, and commitment has astonished security forces across the world."
"I know that what our jawans set out to achieve, they always accomplish. It is the trust in our security forces, inspired by which I keep reiterating that we will eradicate Naxalism before March 31, 2026," he added.
He said that as Naxalism is being eliminated from various regions, the Chhattisgarh government is ensuring the delivery of food, healthcare, education, electricity, housing, sanitation, and clean drinking water -- thereby connecting people with the mainstream of development.
"When a child picks up a pencil instead of a gun and begins writing 'Ka, Kha, Ga', it doesn't just change that child's future, but of the entire nation. That moment is near," he said.
The Union Home Minister stated that when the country becomes free from naxalism in March 2026 under PM Modi's leadership, it will be one of the most significant moments since Independence.
He said that when the history of the eradication of Naxalism is written, the sacrifice, devotion, and hard work of our security forces will be inscribed in golden letters.
Amit Shah also released the book 'Leor Oyna' in Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
The book is based on the lives of victims of Naxal violence. It will help in understanding the pain of those innocent and unarmed people who fell prey to the ruthless violence inflicted by the Naxalites.
The book will also open the eyes of those who show sympathy towards Naxalites in the name of human rights, and will be instrumental in exposing them.