In the past six months, security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region have eliminated 144 Naxalites, including at least 51 female cadres, according to Chhattisgarh Home Minister Vijay Sharma. The announcement was made during an exclusive interview with News18 at an event hosted by RSS-linked Panchajanya magazine in Delhi.
Responding to opposition allegations of extrajudicial killings in Bastar, Sharma emphasized that the operations are guided by verified intelligence to prevent any errors. He also expressed the state government’s willingness to engage in “unconditional” dialogue with the Naxalites. Sharma noted that impoverished tribal villagers are often coerced into militancy by “urban Naxals” based in cities like Delhi.
Sharma highlighted the harsh realities faced by locals: “I will one day bring at least 50 villagers and security personnel to Delhi. They lost their legs to IEDs planted by the Naxals, funded by these individuals. Educated city dwellers need to see this reality. While our security forces struggle to enter certain villages, groups from Delhi are facilitating terrorism,” he said. The state government is developing improved surrender policies to reintegrate Naxalites into mainstream society. “I urge Naxalites to reach out to me or our officers anytime to surrender. We will ensure their safety. They can call, text, or WhatsApp me,” he said at the event.
“They can make video calls to talk to me. I am always ready for dialogue. They must abandon violence. Young tribal people gain nothing from roaming the forests with sophisticated guns,” he added. The home minister also announced the distribution of Google forms in Bastar for villagers to provide suggestions or information about Naxal activities. “Villagers have reported extortion by Naxals. Teachers must give up part of their salaries, and ‘tendu’ leaf sellers are forced to pay commissions to Naxals,” he stated.
Sharma questioned the Naxalites’ objectives: “What is their agenda? They have none; they only spread violence to terrorize people. Along with urban Naxals, they are obstructing development in Chhattisgarh by planting IEDs,” he added.
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