Home Minister dismisses Naxal ceasefire, urges disarmament.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has firmly rejected a ceasefire proposal from the CPI (Maoists), emphasizing that the government’s approach will not involve negotiations but rather the complete eradication of Maoism by March 31, 2026. Addressing a seminar on ‘Naxal Mukt Bharat,’ Shah invited those willing to surrender to lay down their arms and assured them a red carpet welcome through a lucrative rehabilitation policy. He highlighted the recent successes of security forces, noting a significant reduction in both personnel and civilian casualties in Maoist-affected areas since 2014, alongside the surrender of over 10,500 Maoists and the elimination of numerous high-ranking members of the organization. Shah criticized the ideological support for Left Wing Extremism from certain political parties, asserting that understanding and addressing the roots of Naxalism is vital for its defeat. This strategic stance reflects a broader initiative that combines military action, development efforts, and political outreach, aimed at dismantling the structural and ideological support systems that have allowed Maoism to persist in India. The government’s commitment not to negotiate with extremists, but rather to encourage their rehabilitation, highlights a decisive shift toward a more robust security policy that seeks to ensure stability and progress in affected regions.