Shah asks Maoists to lay down arms

UNION Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday appealed to the Left-Wing-Extremists (LWE) to abjure violence by laying down arms, surrender before law and join the mainstream like the insurgents in the northeastern region of the country.

- MUKESH RANJAN

The home minister, however, cautioned them that if not, an all-out operation will be carried out against them.

Shah on Friday morning addressed 55 victims of Naxal violence from Chhattisgarh at his residence in Delhi. He also asserted that those who indulge in left wing extremist activities will take their last breath by March 31, 2026, and will be eliminated by then.

The home minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided that Naxal violence and ideology will be wiped out from the country by then.

Shah said, "I appeal to Naxals to give up violence, lay down arms and surrender like the militants in the northeast have done. If you do not listen, then an all-out operation will be carried out soon to end the menace." He said Naxalism is a threat to both humanity and the country's internal security.