Union Home Minister Amit Shah on 28 September 2025 delivered a firm rebuttal to a ceasefire proposal from Maoist insurgents, stating the government’s position is one of unequivocal surrender, not negotiation. He invited the left-wing extremists to lay down their arms with the assurance that they would not be fired upon.
The Home Minister’s comments came during his address at the valedictory session of a seminar titled ‘Naxal Mukt Bharat: Ending Red Terror Under Modi’s Leadership’ held in the national capital. He was referring to a purported letter from the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist) that expressed a readiness to give up arms, contingent on the government announcing a one-month ceasefire and pausing ongoing anti-Naxal operations.
“Recently, to spread confusion, a letter was written stating that what has happened so far has been a mistake, that a ceasefire should be declared, and that we (Naxals) want to surrender,” Shah stated. “I want to say there will be no ceasefire. If you want to surrender, there is no need for a ceasefire. Lay down your arms, not a single bullet will be fired.”
Elaborating on the government’s stance, Shah outlined a clear two-pronged approach: a welcoming surrender and rehabilitation policy for those who renounce violence, and a firm military response for those who do not.
“The government’s approach is that we make every effort to arrest Naxalites and get them to surrender. We also give them a chance. We have introduced a good surrender policy,” he said. However, he added a stern warning: “But when you take up arms and set out to kill innocent citizens of India, the security forces have no other option. Bullets must be answered with bullets.”
Criticism of Ideological Supporters
Shah also launched a sharp critique against what he described as the ideological and legal supporters of Naxalism, specifically targeting leftist political parties, activists, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
“Why do they need to protect them…why don’t NGOs come forward to protect human rights of victim tribals?” he questioned. “Have all the people who write these lengthy articles and advise us ever written an article for the tribal victims? Why are they not concerned about this?”
2026 Deadline and Ideological Battle
Reiterating the government’s determined goal, Shah announced that the country would be free of Naxalism by 31 March 2026. He emphasized, however, that the conflict is not merely a military one.
“Many people believe that the Naxalite problem will end with the end of armed activities. But this is not the case,” Shah stated. He stressed the need to confront the ideology that fuels the movement. “Why did the Naxalite problem arise, grow, and develop in this country? Who provided its ideological support? Until Indian society understands this theory, this idea of Naxalism, and the people in society who provided ideological support, legal support, and financial support, the fight against Naxalism will not end.”
The Home Minister concluded by acknowledging the importance of winning the ideological battle, stating, “We can make Naxalites surrender or our security forces can neutralise them, but on the ideological front, we have to make a lot of efforts. Regarding this, the discussion that took place here is relevant and important to me as well.”
(With inputs from OpIndia)
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