Union Home Minister Amit Shah delivered a stirring message to Maoists during the Bastar Pandum finale in Jagdalpur: ‘Put down your guns and integrate into development’s mainstream.’ Addressing tribals, he clarified the anti-Naxal campaign protects Adivasi hamlets and futures, not targeting individuals.
With over 2,500 surrenders under the lucrative state rehabilitation program, Shah encouraged more to follow, while vowing zero tolerance for IED planters, village raiders, and school demolishers. ‘Maoism has brought only destruction; we will firmly oppose violence,’ he declared.
Bastar stands as a shining national example of revival. Long-closed schools have reopened, and Shah committed to making it Chhattisgarh’s top division in five years. Full access to power, mobiles, healthcare, education, and amenities in every village by December 27 is on the cards.
Support for tribal farmers includes full paddy procurement, alongside free rations, cooking gas, and tap water. Eradicating Naxalism opens doors to tourism ventures like adventure sports, homestays, canopy trails, and glass bridges.
Key announcements included a sprawling 118-acre industrial park, Indravati’s irrigation-cum-120MW hydropower project, Rs 3,500 crore Raoghat-Jagdalpur railway expansion, inter-river linking, and skill training for 90,000 youngsters.
Shah marveled at the shift from fear-ridden curfews to joyful nights of cultural revelry, signaling deep societal transformation. He honored Bastar’s diverse tribes—Abujh Maria, Muria, Gond, and others—with their distinct tongues, rhythmic dances, and age-old customs preserved through generations.
The Pandum festival, showcasing this heritage nationally, earned accolades; winning teams get invited to the President’s residence for performances and a meal. Homage was also paid to brave security personnel in the Naxal battle.