Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday attended the closing ceremony of the Bastar Olympics 2024 in Chhattisgarh, highlighting the region’s remarkable transformation from a Naxal-affected zone to a symbol of peace and development.
Shah remarked that the event was not merely about sports but represented a foundation for lasting peace, security, and progress in the area. He described Bastar’s journey as moving from “changing” to “changed” and expressed confidence that by the time of the 2026 Bastar Olympics, the region would have fully transformed.
“This Bastar Olympics is going to become the identity of all the seven districts… Bastar Olympics will put the last nail in the coffin of Bastar Naxalism. Next time, I will come to the 2026 Olympics and say that Bastar has changed,” he said. The Bastar Olympics 2024 witnessed participation from over 1.65 lakh individuals.
Addressing the gathering, Shah emphasised that the Modi government has tackled Naxalism on two fronts–security and development–over the last decade. He noted a 73 per cent reduction in the deaths of security personnel and a 70 per cent decrease in civilian casualties in Naxal-affected areas. He also announced that by March 31, 2026, Naxalism would be completely eradicated from India.
“In the last 10 years, we have fought Naxalism on multiple fronts. Today, there is a 73 per cent reduction in the deaths of security personnel and a 70 per cent decrease in civilian deaths in areas that have been Naxal strongholds since 1973. By March 31, 2026, we will completely eradicate Naxalism from the country,” Shah asserted.
Lauding Chhattisgarh’s surrender policy as the most attractive in the country, Shah shared that during the first year of the BJP government in the state, 287 Naxals were killed, 992 were arrested, and 837 surrendered. He urged the remaining Naxals to lay down their arms, join the mainstream, and contribute to nation-building. He also highlighted Bastar’s unmatched natural beauty, stating that with the end of Naxalism, the region would become a premier tourist destination in India.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also addressed the gathering, reiterating the state government’s commitment to Bastar’s development. He emphasised that events like the Bastar Olympics not only promote sports but also serve as a platform to connect tribal youth with the mainstream, fostering unity and nation-building.
He stressed that addressing the problem of Naxalism requires more than just police action. “By channelling the energy of young people in the right direction with the help of education, sports, employment, and other positive initiatives, we can achieve extraordinary outcomes. The Bastar Olympics is a wonderful example of this,” he stated.
The Bastar Olympics is a shining example of uncovering hidden talent and connecting youth with the mainstream. Through such efforts, the state government aims to restore peace, empower the youth, and drive progress, paving the way for a brighter future for Bastar, Deo added.
Shah concluded his address by assuring the people that Bastar was on an irreversible path to peace and progress. With the blessings of Maa Danteshwari, he said, the region is poised to become a model of harmony and development for the nation.
(With inputs from ANI)
