Prime Minister Narendra Modi has issued a stern warning regarding the evolving nature of internal security threats, stating that while the menace of armed Naxalism has been largely wiped out from forests, a new challenge has emerged. Speaking to Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel during Diwali celebrations at a camp in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh, the Prime Minister highlighted the rise of what he termed "Dimagi Naxals," or intellectual Naxalites, who he claims have infiltrated various organizations and political parties.
During his address, the Prime Minister asserted that these elements continue to incite individuals against the country’s Constitution and democratic values. He stressed that although the physical presence of armed militants has been neutralized through consistent security operations and policy shifts, the ideological influence persists within institutional frameworks. According to PM Modi, identifying and defeating these "Dimagi Naxals" is now a priority to ensure national security.
The Prime Minister’s remarks follow a significant government announcement made on March 31, which declared that India had been freed from the overarching threat of Naxalism. This milestone was attributed to the successful elimination of several Maoist leaders and cadres, alongside a substantial number of surrenders. PM Modi characterized this achievement as a testament to the government's strong political will and the implementation of effective security policies that dismantled funding networks.
Reflecting on the challenges faced in the past, PM Modi criticized previous administrations for what he described as restrictive policies that hindered security forces. He claimed that earlier governments tied the hands of personnel, preventing them from responding effectively to Maoist violence. In contrast, he stated that his administration provided security forces with the necessary freedom to take decisive action, which resulted in a major blow to extremist operations. He further noted that the government has successfully dismantled support networks that previously allowed Left-Wing Extremism to flourish within administrative systems.
Providing context to the scale of the past conflict, the Prime Minister mentioned that at one point, more than 230 districts across nearly 20 states were affected by Naxalism. He highlighted the progress made in stabilizing these regions, noting that for the first time in 47 years, no CRPF personnel were killed in the line of duty over the past year. This improvement, he suggested, is the result of sustained security operations combined with development initiatives aimed at building trust with local populations.
Looking ahead, the Prime Minister reiterated the government's primary objective: to ensure that no families lose children to violence and that no young individuals are forced into picking up arms. By focusing on both security and local development, the administration aims to prevent the resurgence of extremist ideologies. He concluded by calling upon the nation to remain vigilant against those who operate from within systems to undermine the country’s democratic fabric, emphasizing that the victory over armed groups is only one part of the wider effort to secure the nation's future.
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