PM Modi Says Maoist Extremism Is ‘Breathing Its Last’, Calls for Action Against ‘Dimagi Naxals’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that Maoist extremism is “breathing its last” in India, while calling for the identification and isolation of what he described as “dimagi Naxals”.
Addressing the nation on the occasion of India’s 80th Independence Day, Modi said Naxalism and Maoism had damaged the future of many young people and kept large parts of the country under fear for decades.
“For four decades, huge areas and people were in their clutches under the fear of guns,” the Prime Minister said.
He also highlighted the sacrifices made by security personnel during the fight against Left-Wing Extremism. According to Modi, more than 3,500 security personnel lost their lives while protecting people, a figure he said was higher than the number of soldiers killed in some wars.
Modi Says Maoist Violence Is Losing Ground
Modi said that when his government came to power in 2014, it had committed itself to ending Naxal violence in the country.
“When we came to power in 2014, we swore to rid the country of Naxals. I am happy Maoist violence is taking its last breath,” he said.
The Prime Minister said several areas that were previously affected by Naxal violence have now become free from Maoist influence and are moving towards development.
He said the government’s efforts had helped reduce armed Maoist activity in several parts of the country.
PM Raises Concern Over ‘Dimagi Naxals’
Modi also criticised what he called a “Naxal mentality” within sections of society and institutions.
“For years, those with Naxal mentality had their place in the power corridors. They were in government committees as advisors. Maoist thinking impacted policies,” he said.
While saying that armed Naxals had largely been pushed out of the jungles, Modi warned against what he described as “dimagi Naxals” or people with an alleged ideological commitment to Naxalism.
“We have succeeded in getting rid of armed Naxals in the jungles, but ‘dimagi Naxals’ are looking for opportunities to create violence, unrest,” he said.
He alleged that such elements seek to create social unrest and push young people and society in what he described as the wrong direction.
Call to Connect Youth With the Mainstream
The Prime Minister called for such individuals to be identified and isolated while urging greater efforts to bring young people into the mainstream.
“These ‘dimagi Naxals’ have to be identified and isolated, and connect the youth with the mainstream,” Modi said.
His remarks come as the government continues to focus on reducing Left-Wing Extremism and expanding development and security measures in areas that were previously affected by Maoist violence.
The Prime Minister said the decline in Maoist violence was an important achievement and stressed the need to ensure that affected regions continue on the path of peace, development and greater opportunities for young people.
