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New Delhi, October 16 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that 258 Naxalites have surrendered in Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra in the last two days.
The announcement, made through HM Shah’s official
According to HM Shah, “After 27 Naxals who surrendered yesterday (Wednesday), 170 Naxals laid down arms in Chhattisgarh today. In Maharashtra, 61 Naxals also surrendered yesterday (Wednesday), taking the total to 258 who have given up violence and expressed renewed faith in the Indian Constitution.”
Calling it “a major success in the fight against Naxalism”, HM Shah lauded the surrendered individuals for choosing peace over violence.
He attributed the development to the sustained efforts of the central government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that “Naxalism is breathing its last.”
HM Shah reiterated the government’s clear stand on Left Wing Extremism: “Our policy against Naxalites is clear – those who want to surrender are welcome, but those who continue to take up arms will face strict action from our security forces.
He also issued a public appeal to all the remaining Naxalites to give up violence and return to the mainstream. Mass surrenders are being seen as a result of intensive security operations, strategic outreach programs and rehabilitation initiatives aimed at encouraging extremists to reintegrate into civilian society.
Officials believe this trend reflects growing disillusionment among Naxalite cadres and a change in public sentiment in the affected areas. Security experts have described the development as a turning point in India’s decades-long fight against the Maoist insurgency, which has claimed thousands of lives and disrupted development in several states.
With more surrenders expected in the coming weeks, the government is hopeful of further weakening the Naxalite movement and restoring peace in the already troubled areas.
As the nation watches closely, this wave of surrenders could mark the beginning of the end of one of India’s most persistent internal security challenges.
–IANS
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