- A mindset that glorifies violence and Naxalism is also dangerous for society: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai
- Chief Minister states: Bastar is moving away from fear and violence onto a new path of peace, trust, and development
During an interview with a private news channel, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai stated that those who speak in support of Naxalism and idolize the notorious Naxal Hidma—who is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of innocent people—are essentially ‘ideological Naxals.’
He remarked that Chhattisgarh is rapidly moving forward on a new path of peace, trust, and development, having emerged from a long and painful era of Naxalism. Thanks to the indomitable courage of our security forces, the firm resolve of both the Central and State governments, and the cooperation of the people of Bastar, Naxalism is nearing its end. It is now essential for society to clearly reject the mindset that provides ideological support to, or glorifies, violence and Naxalism.
Chief Minister Sai expressed deep regret that some people still idolize notorious Naxals whose hands are stained with the blood of innocent citizens and security personnel. Naxals like Hidma have kept generations of Bastar trapped in fear, deprivation, and backwardness through violence and terror. Glorifying such individuals, raising slogans in their support, or portraying them as heroes cannot be justified in any way.
The Chief Minister asserted that a person who takes up arms to kill innocent people cannot be a role model for society. Bastar has lost thousands of innocent citizens, public representatives, and brave soldiers to Naxal violence. Many families have endured the pain of losing loved ones; children were deprived of their parents, and development prospects were stalled for decades. Ignoring this suffering to praise those responsible for the violence is an insult to the victimized families of Bastar and the sacrifices made by the martyred soldiers. Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that the challenge of Naxalism is not limited merely to guns and forests. The mindset that justifies violence, breeds distrust in the democratic system, and portrays the perpetrators of Naxal violence as heroes is equally concerning. In a democracy, every individual has the right to voice their opinion and express dissent; however, supporting violence and glorifying those who kill innocent people cannot be accepted in any civilized society.
He noted that the identity of Bastar is transforming today. A region once defined by Naxal violence, landmines, and fear now resonates with the sound of school bells; roads are being constructed, healthcare facilities are reaching the people, and the youth are gaining new opportunities for education and employment. Furthermore, remote villages are connecting with government schemes and the mainstream of development.
Chief Minister Shri Sai remarked that the youth of Bastar now desire books, pens, skills, and employment rather than guns. They wish to realize their dreams and become partners in the progress of the state and the nation. Our government is committed to ensuring that every young person in Bastar gets an opportunity to advance and that the benefits of development and good governance reach every family.
The Chief Minister stated that the fight against Naxalism was not merely a security battle but a struggle to safeguard Bastar’s future. Our security personnel have brought this fight to a decisive stage, disregarding the risk to their own lives. It is now the responsibility of society to ensure that the ideology of violence is not glorified in any form.
Chief Minister Shri Sai affirmed that Chhattisgarh has moved forward on the path of peace, democracy, and development. There is no place for Naxalism and violence in the new Chhattisgarh. The role models for Bastar’s new generation should be those who are advancing society through education, service, hard work, innovation, and nation-building—not those who took the lives of innocent people through guns and violence.
He added that the establishment of peace in Bastar is not merely an achievement of the government or security forces, but a victory of the courage and faith of its citizens. Now, our top priority is to consolidate this peace and give Bastar a new identity defined by development, tourism, education, employment, and prosperity.