‘Won’t let Naxals sleep’: Amit Shah says monsoon no barrier, urges surrender without talks

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said that anti-Naxal operations will continue through the monsoon season, stating that Naxalites will not be allowed rest during this period. Speaking at an event in Chhattisgarh’s Nava Raipur Atal Nagar, he said, “Every time during the rainy season, Naxalites used to get rest (as swollen rivers hamper anti-Naxal operations inside dense forest), but this time, we will not let them sleep during monsoon, and we will move further to achieve the target of 31/3 (2026 to eliminate Naxalism).”

The Union Minister called upon Maoists to surrender unconditionally and join the mainstream. “Lay down arms and join the journey of development; no need for talks. Just give up armed struggle and join the mainstream,” he said. He also stated, “I wholeheartedly welcome back all those who have laid down their arms and joined the mainstream and assure them that whatever promises the Chhattisgarh government and the Centre have made to them will be fulfilled, and we will try to help you even more.”

Amit Shah laid the foundation stone for the campus of the National Forensic Science University (NFSU) and a Central Forensic Science Laboratory in Nava Raipur Atal Nagar during the visit. He said that these institutions will help strengthen criminal investigation processes and assist in the effective implementation of new criminal justice laws.

He also mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to make India a developed country by 2047. Shah said the goal includes not just infrastructure and economic progress but also timely justice. He added that three new laws—the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam—will aid in ensuring justice is delivered efficiently.

Amid the ongoing operations, a woman Naxalite carrying a reward of ₹8 lakh was killed in an encounter with security forces on Friday in Chhattisgarh’s Kanker district. According to officials, the encounter took place on a forested hill under the Chhotebethiya police station limits during a joint operation by the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Border Security Force (BSF). A total of 212 Naxalites have been killed in various encounters in the state so far this year.