Shah likens Naxalism to cobra snake that 'spread its hood in way of development'

RAIPUR: (Dec 13) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday likened Naxalism to a "cobra snake" that spread its hood in the way of development, and said the armed left-wing movement did not benefit anyone - neither those who took up arms nor the security personnel.

Reiterating the Narendra Modi government's resolve to end Naxalism by March 31, 2026, he said the Centre has decided to transform the Naxal-hit Bastar division in Chhattisgarh, comprising seven districts, into the most developed tribal region in the country over the next five years.

Addressing the closing ceremony of Bastar Olympic 2025 sport event at Indira Priyadarshini Stadium in Jagdalpur, the headquarter of state's Bastar district, Shah appealed to those associated with the outlawed CPI (Maoist) to lay down arms and join the mainstream of society, asserting that only peace can pave the way for development.