BASTAR: Union Home minister Amit Shah on Tuesday chaired the 26th meeting of the Central Zonal Council (CZC) in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, and said the focus now must shift towards rapid development of regions affected by decades of Naxal violence.

Present at the gathering were senior officials from both central and state governments alongside leaders representing several regions. Leading figures included Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai of Chhattisgarh, followed by Mohan Yadav who serves Madhya Pradesh.

In attendance also stood Yogi Adityanath, representing Uttar Pradesh, while Pushkar Singh Dhami appeared on behalf of Uttarakhand. Participation extended beyond individual names, incorporating administrative representatives whose roles support governance across involved territories.

With calm words at the start, Shah called the Bastar event a turning point. Years of unrest gave way after joint operations unfolded across forces. Intelligence networks worked alongside central troops. State-level officers moved in parallel. Progress came slowly, yet clearly visible now.

"The fight against Naxalism was not only about eliminating extremists, but also about ensuring development reaches every village," Shah said.

Although security actions reduced Naxal influence, focus now shifts to closing developmental shortfalls across impacted zones.

Collaboration between federal and regional authorities becomes essential when advancing schooling, medical services, food support systems, financial inclusion, clean water availability, along with village-level facilities.

The Home minister stated improvements in the Central Zonal Council's outcomes during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure.

During 2014 to 2026, thirty-two meetings took place, whereas eleven occurred from 2004 to 2014.