NEW DELHI: Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday apprised home minister Amit Shah about steps being taken by his govt to eliminate Naxalism in Bastar region, saying that the fight against Maoists had entered the final stages with surrenders too picking up after release of the state’s new surrender and rehabilitation policy.
Sources in the Chhattisgarh govt told TOI that Sai had conveyed to Shah that joint efforts of the Central and state govts had significantly weakened Naxal organisations in Bastar, and that the focus now was on finalising strategies to tackle any remaining vestiges before Bastar embraces lasting peace. The emphasis in the coming days, said sources, shall be on boosting development and economic activities, including promoting tourism in the region endowed with natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage.
Sai shared with the home minister that the Chhattisgarh government’s new surrender and rehabilitation policy — finalised only last week with enhanced incentives such as attractive financial compensation, educational aid and jobs for surrendered cadres and their kin — has begun to show results with 19 Naxalites, including nine carrying rewards, from Bijapur having given up violence since.
The meeting between Shah and Sai also placed special emphasis on accelerating development projects in Bastar. The chief minister highlighted steps being taken by his govt to strengthen education, healthcare, roads, electricity, and water infrastructure. Additionally, plans were discussed to attract both national and international tourists to Bastar.
“To integrate Bastar’s youth into the mainstream, initiatives such as skill development, self-employment, and new job opportunities are being created. The government’s goal is to transform Bastar from a land of conflict into a hub of peace, development, and opportunities,” said a senior Chhattisgarh govt officer.
