Nizamabad, Telangana
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has categorically ruled out any possibility of talks with Maoist groups unless they surrender their weapons and renounce violence. Addressing the Kisan Sammelan in Nizamabad on Sunday, after inaugurating the National Turmeric Board headquarters, Shah reiterated the central government’s firm stance on eradicating left-wing extremism.
“There will be no talks with those who hold weapons and kill tribals, policemen, and security personnel,” Shah said.
He urged Maoist cadres to lay down their arms and join the national mainstream.
“Shun violence, surrender, and come forward. If you don’t, we are committed to making India Maoist-free by March 31, 2026,” he declared.
Aiming for the Congress party, Shah alleged that it has historically shown sympathy towards Maoist elements. He expressed concern that the party might offer shelter in Telangana to extremists fleeing from other parts of the country. Directly addressing Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Shah said,
“Don’t let Telangana become a den for Maoists.”
The Home Minister highlighted that nearly 10,000 militants in the Northeast had already surrendered and joined the mainstream under the BJP-led government’s approach, which he described as “development with firmness.”
In a sharp rebuke to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Shah responded to ongoing criticism over Operation Sindoor.
“Even today, Rahul Gandhi questions our strategy. I ask him to look at the current state of Pakistan—weak and scattered. They once threatened India’s peace, but our leadership dismantled their networks,” he said.
Shah’s remarks underline the Centre’s uncompromising policy towards armed extremism while encouraging peaceful reintegration for those willing to surrender. The message was clear: the path forward lies not in dialogue with violence, but in surrender and reintegration.
