Hyderabad: Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy on Sunday welcomed the naxalites’ surrender, stating that it marked a significant step in ending violence and restoring normalcy in affected regions. He said that over 300 naxalites had surrendered in the past three days alone as part of the central government’s ‘Operation Kagar’ initiative, aimed at eradicating Naxalism from the country by March 31, 2026.
Reddy described the large-scale surrender, particularly of Telugu-speaking individuals, as notable. He highlighted that many districts had suffered due to prolonged violence, remaining underdeveloped for years. “As the country celebrates Diwali, it is heartening to see these regions moving from darkness to light,” he said.
According to the minister, the number of Naxal-affected districts in India has dropped from 125 a decade ago to just 11 today. He expressed hope that the remaining districts would also be freed from Naxal influence soon.
Infrastructure and employment in naxalites’ surrender areas a government focus
Reddy emphasized that the Indian Constitution, shaped by B.R. Ambedkar, leaves no room for violence and promotes peaceful expression. He said that the recent surrender wave reaffirms the principle that violence and bloodshed cannot achieve meaningful change in a democracy.
He noted that regions once controlled by Naxalites lacked even basic infrastructure, such as roads, schools, and hospitals. Residents had endured severe hardships without essential services. However, Reddy asserted that the current government was committed to improving infrastructure, expanding welfare programs, and generating employment for youth in areas that have transitioned away from Naxal influence.
