"End of naxalism is necessary for development of Bastar region": Chattisgarh Dy CM Arun Sao

Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], April 13 (ANI): Emphasising the importance of eradicating Naxalism for the state's overall progress, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao underscored the government's ongoing efforts to improve the lives of people in Naxal-affected regions.
Speaking to ANI, Sao stated that in the last 14 months,380 naxals have been encountered, 1200 naxals have been arrested, and 1100 naxals have surrendered.
Sao asserted that Naxalism was nearly eradicated during former Chief Minister Raman Singh's tenure, but alleged that its resurgence began after the Congress government came to power.
"Our governments have struggled for years against naxalism. Surguja, including Bastar, was affected by naxalism when our government was first formed in 2003. Due to our government's determination, we wiped out naxalism from Surguja. Under Dr Raman Singh's government, until 2018, naxalism remained in very few parts. Then, the Congress government came and allowed naxals to spread again," he said.

"When our government was formed in 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah vowed to make Chhattisgarh and Bastar Naxal-free," the Deputy CM stated.
Further highlighting the challenges in Bastar due to the Naxalism, he said, "Bastar has challenging terrain that is difficult to reach. Our security personnel are pursuing Naxals in those areas. No changes have occurred in the lives of people in Bastar and Suguja due to naxalism. The end of naxalism is necessary for the development of the region. Our government is working towards finishing naxalism in a planned manner."
He further reiterated Union Home Minister Amit Shah's assurance that Naxalism will be completely eliminated from the state by March 2026.
"Naxalism is still present in some areas of Bijapur, Sukma and Kanker. The way our soldiers are working, by the end of March 2026, armed Naxalism will be eradicated completely. We are not only working to finish Naxalism but also working towards bringing change in the lives of the people of the Bastar region," he said.
Sao asserted that the BJP government is committed to uplifting the younger generation of the Bastar region and highlighted recent events for the youth in the region.
"Younger generation of the Bastar region are talented. We organise the Bastar Olympics to offer a stage for their talent. We are continuously working towards bringing change in the lives of Bastar," Sao said.
Sao dubbed the death of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar, who was allegedly murdered for his reporting on a road contractor, as "unfortunate", stating that the government acted immediately after the incident.
"As soon as I saw the news of the death of the young journalist, it was around December 25; I saw the news and made an inquiry committee on the same day... The committee submitted its report."
"We also registered FIRs against our officials. The contract of the concerned contractor was nullified. We not only registered an FIR against our officials but also conducted departmental enquiries against them. Under the leadership of CM Vishnu Deo Sai, our government is working on a policy of zero tolerance against corruption. Immediate action was taken; there was no delay. Unfortunately, we lost a young journalist, but the actions taken by the government are in front of everyone," he added.
He further said that the current government's focus is to boost industrial growth and generate maximum employment.
"We will fulfil all the guarantees of the Modi government. In the new industrial policy, we have decided to give concessions to the companies as per the job opportunities they will create over the investment amount. Our focus is on employment generation. Our Chief Minister is doing an investment summit. Many MoUs have been signed with various companies. Industrial development of the state will happen along with employment generation," Sao said. (ANI)