"Give Up Arms, Or Face Strong Action": Amit Shah To Maoists In Chhattisgarh

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday appealed to Maoists to give up arms and join the mainstream, or else they will have to face the strong action of security forces. He said the rehabilitation of surrendered Maoists is the responsibility of the government. Addressing a sports event -- 'Bastar Olympics' -- in Chhattisgarh's Jagdalpur, Mr Shah also said the country would be free of Maoists by March 2026. "I appeal to Naxals, please come forward. Give up arms, surrender and join the mainstream. Your rehabilitation is our responsibility," he said. He said if the Maoists do not listen to the appeal of surrender, they will be crushed by the security forces. "Chhattisgarh Police is committed to fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resolve to make India Naxal-free by March 31, 2026," he said.