New Delhi [India], October 7 : Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai participated in a significant meeting on Monday, focusing on updates regarding the ongoing anti-Naxal operations and development projects in Naxal-affected states.
The meeting, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, took place at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi, with the Chief Ministers of eight Naxal-affected states in attendance.
The discussion centred on the successful completion of an anti-Naxal operation in Chhattisgarh, where the state police neutralised 31 Naxals. Special attention was given to the effective strategy employed by the Chhattisgarh Police and the success of the state government's schemes.
Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda, Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, and Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma were also present.
Amit Shah lauded the efforts of the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and his team, commending their dedication to eradicating Naxal influence from the region. "From January till now, the security forces of Chhattisgarh have killed about 194 Naxals in encounters. Additionally, 801 Naxals were arrested, and 742 have surrendered," he said.
Appealing to youth associated with Naxalism to renounce violence, Shah said, "Even now, those involved in Naxalism are urged to lay down arms and join the mainstream. All states have formulated better rehabilitation plans, so take advantage of them."
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai provided details of the Naxal operation, stating that the state police and intelligence agencies executed it after months of meticulous planning. Approximately 1,000 soldiers participated, surrounding the Gawadi mountain, spanning a 15-kilometre radius, and eliminating 31 Naxals. Among those killed were several prominent Naxal leaders, including 16 individuals with a total bounty of Rs1.30 crore on their heads. In total, 18 male and 13 female Naxals were killed.
Regarding development efforts, the Chief Minister said, "The pace of development in Naxal-affected areas has increased. We are consistently providing basic amenities to villages, with a special focus on education, health, and women's empowerment."
He further added that, under the constant guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the state has established 32 new camps in hardcore Naxal areas, previously considered their strongholds. "We also set up a camp in the village of Hidma, the commander of a Naxal battalion, and provided health facilities to his mother."
Outlining future plans, the Chief Minister stated that the government's primary goal is to eliminate the remaining Naxal strongholds and ensure lasting peace and development in these areas. In the near future, 29 new security camps will be established in South Bastar to weaken the influence of Naxalites.
Union Home Minister Shah, while praising the success in Chhattisgarh, urged the Chief Ministers of other states to adopt Chhattisgarh's intelligence technology and foster mutual coordination in their operations. He reaffirmed the Central Government's commitment to providing all necessary assistance to Naxal-affected states, including Chhattisgarh, and assured support for accelerating development projects in these regions.